A Model for Healing and Stability
At PHIG Society, we're intentionally creating "communities of family-style homes" across North Carolina, designed specifically for vulnerable, unaccompanied alien children (UACs) under five. The PHIGS approach is designed to be both effective and efficient while addressing legal mandates, providing survivor-centered trauma-informed care, as well as offering scalability to meet the profound needs of the "least of these". Rooted in our Christian faith and backed by child welfare expertise, our model prioritizes permanency, security, and wholeness for children who've endured abuse or instability.[2][6]
Meeting N.C.'s Residential Childcare Facility Regulations
North Carolina requires residential childcare organizations to comply with licensing standards for group homes or residential facilities, including site-specific zoning, capacity limits, and operational protocols. Building dedicated communities allows us to design properties from the ground up to meet these requirements, such as secure perimeters, on-site supervision ratios, and accessibility for medical services. This proactive compliance reduces legal risks and accelerates our ability to open doors to children in need across the state.[4]
Trauma-Informed Care Through Vetted Neighborhoods
Children in our care often arrive with deep trauma from neglect, abuse, or separation. Our rigorously trained and vetted house-parents provide nurturing, consistent care, but real life demands flexibility. If a house-parent needs to take a child to the doctor, they can confidently turn to neighbors within the community—who are equally vetted and trauma-trained—to step in temporarily to care for the other children in the home. This interconnected safety net fosters trust and continuity, preventing the disruptions that exacerbate trauma. Faith-based models emphasize such "communities of care," where shared training creates a healing environment kids can rely on.[1][5][8]
Built-In Support for House-Parents and PHIGS Families
House-parenting is a sacred calling, but it's demanding. Isolated homes leave families vulnerable to burnout, with turnover rates in foster care averaging 30-50% annually. Our neighborhood model builds an "extended family network" right next door: shared meals, respite rotations, emotional check-ins, and collective problem-solving. Faith communities across North Carolina offer spiritual encouragement, prayer, and practical aid that sustains long-term commitment.[2][4][6] This support boosts placement stability, ensuring children experience permanency, not repeated goodbyes.[8]
Enhanced Security for Vulnerable UACs
UACs face unique risks, including trafficking threats and immigration uncertainties, making well-planned security non-negotiable. Scattered houses lack unified protections like gated access, 24/7 monitoring, and emergency protocols tailored to this population. Our communities integrate these measures while maintaining a warm, home-like feel. This balances safety with belonging, allowing kids to play freely, and build trusting connections to family and friends under watchful and attentive care.[3]
A Faith-Driven Path to Flourishing for Each Girl
Scripture calls us to care for "the least of these" (Matthew 25:40), and research affirms that faith-based communities yield better outcomes: higher foster parent retention, improved child well-being, and stronger permanency rates.[7] By embracing a survivor-aware community approach, PHIG Society creates "neighborhoods of hope" through our 9-point Guardianship Model—where house-parents thrive, children heal, and families form forever bonds. This is the gold standard for trauma recovery and biblical compassion. Learn even more about PHIGS in our Executive Summaries.
PHIGS Property & Homes Fund
Join us in building these life-changing communities in North Carolina. Donate today at phigsociety.org/donate to become a monthly sustaining donor or make a gift to secure land and construct the first homes that turn vulnerability into victory and surviving into thriving!
