Casa Dom Bosco is part of the large service network in Belo Horizonte. As such, it receives children that Projeto Miguilim has motivated to leave the street, then provides housing, education, and care so that the kids can, in fact, start a new life (“mudar de vida”).
For the first three months, the program gives the boys (Casa Dom Bosco can only accept boys) intensive care. They are taught the basics of life in a house: personal hygiene, chores, cooking, how to relate to other children. During this time, Casa social workers attempt to contact the boys’ families to see if reunification is possible; they also discover the particular needs and dreams of each child and create an individual program to realize them. During this time, boys often leave for the street, then return, then run away and return again. The program accepts that this is part of achieving the desire to leave the street, and prefers it to any restrictions on the boys’ freedom to chose.
After the first three months, the boys move to a more stable environment, the abrigo. Here they have more freedom to come and go when they want, many work outside the shelter, and they accept more personal autonomy. This program is similar to Transitional Living Programs in the United States, because staff work to teach the boys how to live on their own. School and recreation are integral parts of the abrigo stage.
The third stage of independence is the Pensionato (sometimes called a República). Here, young men (over 18) live in a boarding house. They have complete independence, but a family also lives in the Pensionato to provide support when they need it. This program is innovative and a real model for others: over the past five years, 150 young men have gone through the program, with an 80% success rate. Clients may stay for 18 months; they pay a minimal rent and must be working. Many also attend school. About 30 young men live in the scrupulously clean and well designed pensionato, some in single rooms, some in doubles. They cook their own food, do their own laundry, receive visitors -- almost like their own home. Finally, when they are ready to leave, Casa Dom Bosco helps the young men with furniture, cooking supplies, and the rest of the necessities of a new house.
Physical spaces are very important in all three houses. They are open, clean, and airy, with space for play, rest, socializing, and worship. The abrigo has a large birdcage with many tropical birds -- staff believe that caring for pets teaches clients about the value of life.
One of the real strengths of the program is its database on clients. Everything is computerized, word-searchable, with photos and details about every aspect of the clients’ lives at the house. In addition to improving the quality of care and aftercare, the client files can easily be turned into a resumé when the clients leave the program, look for work, or wish to apply for college.
Casa Dom Bosco receives its funding from a contract with the city and from St. Vincent de Paul. The city contract is often problematical because payments can lag 3-6 months behind costs.
Rua Ozanan 716
Bairro Ipiranga
31160-210 Belo Horizonte, MG
tel-fax 423 6046
casadb@salesiano.br
