Why Do Children Come?

Children often come to Black Mountain Home because a court has decided that it is not safe or healthy for them to live with their families. While each family crisis is different, some common reasons for removal are:

Domestic Violence
Substance Abuse
Mental Illness
Homelessness
Neglect
Physical Abuse
Sexual Abuse
Abandonment

Children are placed at Black Mountain Home for Children, Youth & Families through no fault of their own. They do not come to the Home because they are delinquent or "bad." They do, however, need assistance to recover from what they have been through. They also need assistance to prepare for life in a safe, healthy family.

In addition to placements through the Department of Social Services, children come to the Home through private placements. Examples of situations include: co-parenting with a grandparent not physically able to provide care; working with a single parent unable to provide the guidance a troubled teen may require; or a homeless child not in DSS custody.

How long do children stay at Black Mountain Home?

The average stay at the Home is just over six months, although many children stay much longer. Children living at the Home may be reunited with family, placed with a foster family, adopted or prepared for life as an independent adult.