The daily news is filled with stories of drug busts and domestic violence. When the law must intervene and children are removed from a dangerous home, where do they go? They go to Sally's House, the only emergency foster care program in Spokane.
Before there was a Sally's House, children were taken from unfit homes to a caseworker’s office where they could wait several hours for the first available foster home. During this long wait, one little girl asked,
Doesn’t anybody want me?
The staff at the Department of Children and Family Services were burdened by her statement. After partnering with The Salvation Army, Sally's House was created so children would immediately have a place to stay until the best fit home was found.
Amelia's Story
Amelia arrived at Sally's House the day after Thanksgiving when she was found with her father, covered with bruises. One night she asked if her dad would be able to get inside to hurt her again. "No, you don’t have to worry about that. This is a safe place," was the reply she received. From then on, Amelia was free to be a little girl. She loved to play with dolls, participate in lessons and go swimming. After a couple of weeks, a foster home was found that could meet Amelia's needs. She went out the door of Sally's House, a little scared and a little excited, singing a song she had learned in one of her Sunday School lessons.
Reasons For Placement in Sally's House
- Drug use in home or drug bust
- Failed foster placement
- Abuse and/or neglect
- Parent arrested
- Sex offender in home
Placement after Sally's House
After their stay at Sally's House kids will usually go to:
- A Foster home
- Return home after situation has been corrected
- Live with an approved relative
While at Sally's House
Often children arrive upset, disoriented and with little more than the clothes on their back. While at Sally's House they receive:
- Clean clothes and personal toiletries.
- Three meals and two snacks per day.
- Instruction in life and social skills.
- Daily tutoring or assistance with school work.
- Daily activities in the gym, playground, indoor swimming pool and game room.
- Supervised visitations and phone calls with family (if approved by caseworker).
- Transportation to original school (through the HEART program).
- Books, toys and a personal quilt.
- On-site counseling, psycho-social evaluation.
Safe from Harm
There are several measures taken to ensure that Sally's House is a safe place for children: Staff/volunteers are trained to be able to identify those who abuse and those who have been abused. Staff/volunteers must pass a criminal background check. At least two staff are present with the children at all times. Staff are trained in First Aid and CPR.
Contact
The Salvation Army Sally's House
PO Box 9108
Spokane, WA 99209
Phone: 509-325-6826
Fax: 509-329-2040