 Emergency Shelter
Sunshine Children's Center provides up to 45 days of care to children
who have been taken into protective custody by the Dept. of Human
Services because of allegations of abuse or neglect. Our house covers 13 counties in
Mississippi known as MS Dept. of Human Services Region V.
We take referrals from the Department of Human
Services, but also accept children from parents who volunteer them. Our
facility is operated by Fertile Ground, Inc., a private Mississippi 501(c)
(3) non-profit corporation. The Sunshine Children's Center is the only
emergency shelter for children in Region V.
Child Abuse Prevention and Respite
Doctors, teachers, law enforcement, and individuals must report
suspected child abuse/neglect to the MS Dept. of Human Services.
 Should an investigation prove the allegations true, the child is placed in
our emergency shelter while social workers seek the best possible
long-term placement. A nutritious meal, a comfortable bed, and a safe
shelter mean a lot in those first hours or days after being removed from
their homes.
The Sunshine Shelter is in the process of implementing other programs to
assist the children in coping with the trauma they have experienced, as
well as helping those who care for these children. These programs include Respite Care - temporary placement for children
whos parents or foster parents just need to "step back" temporarily from
the pressures of child-rearing. Another program is Life Skills -
teaching the soon-to-be young adults the skills and responsibilities that
are necessary to living independently.
Medical and Psychological Services
Besides offering a temporary shelter, Sunshine Shelter also provides
medical, dental, and eye examinations, as well as psychological diagnostic evaluations.
The Shelter has a licensed social worker on staff who conducts counseling
with the children.
Our kids need positive adult role models. Be a mentor!
Volunteer! Invite a child to church, or to be part of your youth
group!
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