 |
 |
Frequently Asked QuestionsBelow are some of the most common questions our new friends have about our Village. If your question is not listed, please email your question to our Community Relations Manager Vickie Walter at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . What is SOS Children’s Village - Florida? What is SOS Children’s Village - Florida? SOS is a foster care neighborhood in Coconut Creek. Our tree-lined street has twelve homes, housing up to seventy-five foster children. Back to top SOS is the internationally recognized call sign for help. Back to top SOS was founded in 1949 in Imst, Austria to respond to the needs of children left orphaned or abandoned after World War II. Since then, over 450 Villages have opened throughout the world. In 1993, SOS – Florida was the first Village to open its doors in the U.S. after Broward County Family Court Judge Estella Moriarty became determined to create a better home for the foster children who came through her courtroom. Back to top
The Village allows for brothers and sisters, who are typically separated while in foster care, to reunite and maintain their family connection. SOS also provides an After Care program to help our young adults transition out of foster care after they turn eighteen. Back to top SOS receives a daily stipend from the State of Florida for every child under its care. This money amounts to approximately 55% of the organization’s annual budget. The remaining 45% of our budget comes through fundraising events, donations, grants, and corporate gifts. Take a look at our most recent Annual Report or 990 for more information about our funding and budgets. Back to top
ChildNet, the agency that manages local child welfare on behalf of the Florida Department of Children and Families, places children at SOS. ChildNet has an extensive system to evaluate each child’s needs to determine their best foster placement. Back to top SOS is a foster home providing care and stability for children while they are awaiting reunification with family or adoption. ChildNet handles all adoptions. To find out how you can adopt a child contact the ChildNet offices at 954-414-6000. Back to top
The current foster care system strives to ensure that “no child grows up in foster care.” For this reason, the average stay at SOS is approximately two years. During this time, ChildNet is working on a plan to reunify children with their parents after any issues are resolved or find an adoptive home. Back to top
Yes. The Village is designed to give our boys and girls the opportunity to be just like their peers. Back to top
SOS is the first organization in Broward to offer After Care services to its young adults transitioning out of foster care and living on their own for the first time. Because of these services, our alumni continue to have a family to turn to in times of crisis and a home to visit no matter how old they are. Back to top SOS relies upon the compassion and generosity of our neighbors to provide quality services that help our children heal and reach their full potential. You can help by becoming a mentor, volunteering, hosting an SOS event or charity drive or making a donation. Back to top Make a donation online now!
|