St. Francis Home for Children

The Mission of St. Francis Home for Children

In the fullness of our Catholic heritage, we seek to alleviate the sufferings of children and families of all faiths by providing for their spiritual, emotional and physical well-being. As a caring community, we further commit ourselves to safeguard and enhance the dignity of each child while emphasizing the value of the family.

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Who We Are / Our History

As one of the oldest non-profits in New Haven, CT, St. Francis Home’s experiences and background is reflective of a commitment to operating programs that address the social, emotional and behavioral needs of children and their families.

St. Francis Home for Children, Inc. began serving children in 1852 as an orphanage under the guidance of the Sisters of Mercy. In the 1960’s the focus of the Home changed from an orphanage to a 52 bed, long-term residential treatment facility for DCF referred youth ages 8-18, who struggled in traditional school and family settings. Today, St. Francis Home for Children continues to respond to the needs of children,families and the community by providing specialized, small, home-like residential and community based programs for court involved youth. In 2009, St. Francis Home for Children was awarded funding from the New Haven Workforce Alliance to operate a “STEPS” (Services for Transition, Education and Preparation for Success) employment and life skills instruction program for youth. Recently licensed by the Department of Children and Families, St. Francis Home for Children’s newest program, the Elm City Children’s and Family Clinic (ECCFC) will open soon and operate as an outpatient clinic for New Haven’s children and families experiencing barriers to individual and family treatment.

Funded primarily by Court Support Services Division (CSSD), each program has a history of professionally responding to the ever-changing needs of the state’s child welfare system and court involved populations. Our history is extensive. From operating a licensed long term residential treatment program to providing gender responsive residential programs, mental health and life skills services-all of these experiences directly contribute to St. Francis Home for Children’s comprehensive human service background.

Click here to see our Board of Trustees.