OUR PROGRAMS



Behind every child who walks through our doors is a story of disruption—and the possibility of restoration. For over 70 years, Harris Home For Children has responded with a full range of programs designed to meet the unique needs of adolescents in crisis and beyond. Whether it’s 24/7 emergency care when nowhere else is available, a stable home-like environment to rebuild trust, trauma-informed therapeutic support, or targeted academic and life-skills training to prepare for independence, our programs work together to help young people move from survival to thriving. See how we make that happen.

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Ages 14–19 | Short-Term (Up to 60 Days) Emergency Placement


Harris Home For Children operates the only full-time licensed crisis program in the entire state of Alabama. When adolescents face sudden removal from unsafe situations—whether due to abuse, neglect, family crisis, or emergency intervention—our Crisis Program provides an immediate, nurturing, and stable environment 24/7. We offer safe shelter, meals, supportive counseling, basic living skills training, recreation, and behavior management while the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) works toward a longer-term placement. In moments of crisis, Harris Home is the statewide safety net, ensuring no child is left without care or a place to sleep.

CRISIS PROGRAM

Immediate Safety When a Child Has Nowhere Else to Turn

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Ages 12–17 | Full-time Residential Care


The Basic Care Program offers a warm, family-style residential setting for male and female adolescents with mild or no emotional / behavioral challenges. Here, youth receive consistent structure, daily nurturing, nutritious meals, education support, and guidance to replace negative behaviors with positive self-discipline and healthy coping skills. In a true “home-like” atmosphere, residents build trust, develop routines, and begin rebuilding confidence in a safe space. This program provides the steady foundation many young people need to thrive after experiencing instability or neglect.

BASIC CARE PROGRAM

A Stable, Home-Like Foundation for Healing and Growth

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Ages 12–19 | Full-time Residential Care


Every resident in the Moderate Care Program carries a mental health diagnosis and faces moderate to severe emotional or behavioral challenges. We go beyond symptom management — offering individualized counseling, therapy, trauma-informed care, and consistent nurturing to help heal deep-seated wounds. Delivered in a supportive, home-like residential environment, this program addresses root causes while teaching emotional regulation, healthy relationships, and personal responsibility. Our goal is lasting recovery and resilience, so each young person can move forward with hope and strength.

MODERATE CARE PROGRAM

Therapeutic Support for Deeper BEHAVIORal Healing

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Middle & High School Students | After-School Academic & Life-Skills Support


BOOST! is our rigorous after-school initiative designed to close educational gaps and prepare youth for college, careers, and self-sufficiency. Meeting Monday–Thursday from 4:30–6:00 pm, the program delivers targeted tutoring in core subjects, personalized academic support, and specialized ACT/SAT prep classes for juniors and seniors. Delivered in partnership with tutors from Alabama A&M University, the University of Alabama in Huntsville, and experienced educators, BOOST! helps residents raise grades, build study habits, and gain confidence for post-high-school success. It’s more than tutoring—it’s a bridge to brighter futures.

BOOST! PROGRAM

Empowering Teens Toward Academic Success

F.A.Q.

  • What ages do your programs serve?

    Our programs primarily serve adolescents ages 12–19. The Crisis Program accepts ages 14–19, while Basic Care and Moderate Care serve ages 12–17 (and up to 19 in some Moderate Care cases). BOOST! supports middle and high school students.

  • What makes your Crisis Program different from other options?

    Harris Home For Children operates the only full-time licensed emergency crisis program in the entire state of Alabama. We provide 24/7 immediate care, safe shelter, meals, counseling, and stabilization for up to 60 days when no other options are available.

  • Who is eligible for the Basic Care program?

    The Basic Care Program is designed for adolescents ages 12–17 with mild to no emotional or behavioral challenges. It offers a stable, family-style residential environment focused on structure, nurturing, and rebuilding trust and healthy routines.

  • What kind of support is provided in the Moderate Care Program?

    Moderate Care is a therapeutic residential program for youth ages 12–19 who have a mental health diagnosis and moderate to severe emotional or behavioral challenges. It includes individualized counseling, trauma-informed care, and help with emotional regulation and personal responsibility.

  • What does the BOOST! program focus on?

    BOOST! is an after-school academic and life-skills program for middle and high school students. It provides targeted tutoring, ACT/SAT prep, study skills, and college/career readiness support to help youth close educational gaps and prepare for independence.

  • How long can a child stay in your residential programs?

    Length of stay varies by need and program. Crisis placements are typically short-term (up to 60 days). Basic and Moderate Care are longer-term residential programs, with length determined by the individual’s progress, treatment goals, and decisions made with DHR and the court.

  • How does a child get referred to Harris Home programs?

    Most referrals come through the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) following removal from a home due to abuse, neglect, or family crisis. Caseworkers, juvenile courts, or other agencies can contact us directly to discuss placement options.

  • Can I volunteer to work directly with your programs?

    Yes! We welcome trained and vetted volunteers to assist with mentoring, tutoring (especially for BOOST!), recreational activities, special events, and more. All volunteers must complete an application, background check, and orientation. Contact us to learn about current opportunities.

  • How can I help if I can’t volunteer in person?

    There are many ways to help: make a one-time or monthly donation, sponsor a scholarship for BOOST!, provide in-kind donations (school supplies, hygiene items, recreational equipment), or share our mission with friends and family. Every act of support helps us keep our doors open.

  • Do your programs accept private placements or self-referrals?

    No, we are not able to accept private or self-referrals at this time. All placements are coordinated through the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) or juvenile court systems to ensure proper oversight and funding for care.