Homes for Children With Special Needs In The Philippines

Are you a parent of a disabled child in the Philippines looking for a safe place for your child to grow into the best person they can be? Are you looking for residential homes to provide care for your child but feel overwhelmed?

We understand how challenging it can be to find the help you need. Below is a listing of homes for special needs children in the Philippines.

The Most Common Disabilities Among Children in the Philippines

“PhilHealth estimates that one out of seven, or around 5.1 million Filipino children are living with disabilities.” There is a huge need for homes for special needs children in the Philippines, and in this post, we aim to help you find the right one for your child.

Below is a list of the most common disabilities where residential care may be needed.

1. Intellectual Disabilities: These can range from mild to severe and may affect a child’s ability to learn and adapt.
2. Physical Disabilities: This includes conditions like spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, and limb deformities.
3. Visual Impairments: Blindness or low vision can significantly impact a child’s ability to see and interact with the world.
4. Hearing Impairments: Hearing loss can affect a child’s ability to communicate and learn language.
5. Speech and Language Disorders: These may include conditions such as stuttering, articulation disorders, or language delays that affect a child’s ability to communicate effectively.
6. Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD): Autism is a developmental disorder affecting social interaction, communication, and behavior. Its prevalence has increased globally, including in the Philippines.
7. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
8. Down Syndrome: This genetic condition causes developmental delays and intellectual disabilities.
9. Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a neurological seizure disorder.

These disabilities have varying degrees of impact on the lives of children and may require medical care, therapy, special education, and residential treatment. Socioeconomic factors influence the prevalence and management of disabilities in the Philippines.

Types of Homes for Children with Special Needs in the Philippines

We will discuss four types of homes for children with disabilities in the Philippines, including government-run institutions, non-government-operated homes (NGOs), private residential facilities, and foster care.

• Government-run institutions: These institutions aim to provide education, therapy, and support services for children with various disabilities.
• NGOs: These organizations provide care and support for special needs children in the Philippines. They often operate to improve the lives of children with disabilities and provide them with opportunities for education, therapy, and socialization.
• Private Residential Facilities: This may be more costly than government-run institutions, but the quality is better for your child.
• Foster Care for Children with Special Needs: Foster care for children with special needs in the Philippines is an option that faces challenges and complexities. The Philippine child welfare system may not be as well-developed or comprehensive as in other countries.

Finding the Right Home for Your Child

Here are the steps to finding a home for your child.

1. Assessing Your Child’s Needs: What level of support does your child need? Does the home support those needs?
2. Matching Needs to Home Models: Be sure your child’s needs align with specific home approaches (e.g., medical focus, developmental focus, etc.).
3. Researching Facilities: Look at online reviews. Is the facility reputable? Do they have appropriate licensing? Is there staff qualified to take care of your child?
4. Visiting: Remember that frequent visits and observation are essential for your child’s health and well-being.

Organizations for Children with Special Needs in the Philippines.

Here is a listing of residential homes for children with special needs in the Philippines.

Children’s Joy Foundation

Children’s Joy Foundation is an organization that runs several treatment programs for neglected, abandoned, orphaned, and dependent children, as well as providing community support services.

Casa Esperanza Orphan Care Program

Casa Esperanza of Angels is a modern care facility run by the Church of Christ. They provide residential care for children in a family setting in multiple on-site homes. Each home houses 8 –16 children, 2 house parents, and one house assistant.

Casa Esperanza provides spiritual, physical, and emotional care to abused, abandoned, and orphaned children.

Vision Help – Residential Care

Vision Help is home to a modern orphan care facility within the Church of Christ mission site. All necessary amenities, such as housing and dining, are provided. There is also a study area, a gathering area, and a recreation area.

Home of Hope

Home of Hope provides loving homes, called Homes of Hope, where at-risk children’s physical, emotional, educational, vocational, social, and spiritual needs are met.

DepEd Special Education (SpEd) Programs and Services

DepEd Special Education Programs and Services is a government Educational Program/Service designed to meet the needs of children with special needs who cannot profit from general or regular education because of disabilities or exceptional disabilities.

Autism Society Philippines (ASP)

ASP is a national, non-profit organization committed to creating an environment where children with autism learn and grow to their full potential. They offer a variety of programs and initiatives.

Autism Partnership (AP) Manila

AP Manila, is a global agency employing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for individuals with an ASD diagnosis.

Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) Philippines

Card, Phils. is an organization striving to improve the lives of those with autism, their families, and caregivers. The main objective of their curriculum is to guide them in becoming individuals who learn to survive independently and become functional and productive members of society.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)

The DSWD in the Philippines implements various programs for people with special needs, aimed at promoting their empowerment, welfare, and inclusion in society, helping them to be as independent as possible.

The Transition Process: Preparing Your Child and Family

If your child will be moving into a group home or facility, consider these steps.

1. Emotional Preparation: Be sure to prepare your child and family emotionally. It will not be easy, but it will help ensure a smooth transition.
2. Practical Considerations: Packing everything your child will need will help them feel safer and more secure. Ask the facility questions about what to pack, and be sure to communicate with your child about this change in their normal routine.
3. Maintaining Family Bonds: Be sure to stay connected to your child. Frequent visits, care packages, and letters will be needed for the best possible transition.

Funding and Financial Considerations

The cost of homes for special needs children in the Philippines can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as location, staff-to-resident ratio, and level of care provided. These homes may generally range from small community-based centers to larger, more comprehensive residential facilities.

Some specialized care facilities or group homes for children with special needs have monthly fees ranging from a few thousand to tens of thousands of Philippine pesos.

Government-funded or subsidized facilities could significantly reduce the financial burden. Check with the facility or organizations for accurate and up-to-date information on the costs associated with homes for special needs children in the Philippines.

We understand how difficult it can be to raise a child with disabilities and that sometimes what is best for both you and your child is for your child to be placed in a home specifically for children with special needs, where they have trained staff and specialized treatment to assure the best help for them.

FAQs about Children with Special Needs in the Philippines

If you are looking for a home for your child with special needs or currently have a child in a home for children with special needs, we would love to hear from you. Please comment below.

If you are a parent who is struggling, please read our article, Top 10 Signs of Parental Burnout and What to Do About it.

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