The mission of CFI is to make sure that all children now residing in congregate facilities are supported to live with permanent loving families and that in the future no child will be institutionalized. There are over 50 years of research demonstrating that institutions are bad places for children (and adults). We know that without the influence of stable and supportive families, children often experience delays in physical, emotional, and social development and are at greater risk for abuse, and neglect. We also know that to achieve the CFI goal, families need respite, behavioral and medical supports. Although there is much work yet to do, CFI has experienced major successes. As of June 30, 2012, there were no children in state institutions in Georgia! CFI efforts now focus on children residing in nursing homes, a private institution, and on children with disabilities aging out of foster care.
The CFI is supported by the Georgia Developmental Disabilities Network, which receives funding from the Administration on Developmental Disabilities, and includes (in addition to IHDD):
- The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD)
- The Georgia Advocacy Office (GAO)
- The Center for Leadership in Disability at Georgia State University (CLD)
View the CFI website by clicking here.
Download a digital version of our newest CFI Booklet here.
Learn more by contacting us at ihdd@uga.edu.