A family restoration and preservation ministry for parents seeking permanency with their children.
The median amount of time a child spends in foster care is just over one year. We know through research statistics that a child who grows up without a stable home environment and without parents is more likely to have negative socio-economic, cognitive, and academic outcomes.
We also know God designed the family unit as a place of healing and safety for children. And a broken family needs the support, healing, mercy, and guidance from God’s people.
Through Families Count, local churches have a platform to minister to and walk with broken families to help them be restored and preserved.
Parents seeking family restoration may be required to complete a parenting class and can elect to participate in Families Count, a 6-week, biblically based class and mentoring ministry.
Children are not only impacted by the growth and healing they see in their parents, but are often also able to attend church activities while their parents are in class.
Families Count equips church members to minister to at-risk families, and provides a platform to reach them.
In South Carolina, Casey and Brittany were in a rough home situation. The South Carolina Department of Social Services intervened and took their children while Casey was at work. For mom and dad, it was a dark time — filled with shame and feelings of failure. But they were given the opportunity to participate in Lifeline’s Families Count for one of their court-mandated parenting classes. Hosted by Freedom Church in Moncks Corner, the class ended up being a place of safety for the couple where they could openly talk about how they could improve their lives. Over the weeks, their marriage strengthened. Walls were torn down as they received the care and community they so desperately needed. As the class came to an end, the couple regained full custody of their children and began attending Freedom Church — making it their first home church ever.
Find An Event Near You6-week biblically-based parenting class
Curriculum focuses on family strengths and purpose
Opportunities for families to be matched with a mentor
How Families Count Can Help You In Your Journey of Restoration
The first step in engaging your church is understanding the goals of foster care and the role of the Church in family restoration.
ENGAGE YOUR CHURCH
A 2-day training prepares Families Count coordinators and class co-leaders to work with Child Protective Services and the at-risk parents.
ENROLL NOW
Once licensed, our partner churches are positioned to implement Families Count in their respective communities.
LICENSUREThis training is a prerequisite for licensure as a Families Count church partner. It is recommended that class co-leaders (husband and wife), class coordinators, and Pastor overseeing your Families Count ministry attend the training. Co-leaders are required to attend in order to be certified to teach the class.
September 28 @ 8:30am - 4pm September 29 @ 9am - 4pm Note: For additional questions about this training, please contact [email protected]
October 20 @ 4:30pm - 9:00pm October 21 @ 8:30am - 4:30pm Note: For additional questions about this training, please contact [email protected]
Friday, November 10, 2023 - 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM Saturday, November 11, 2023 - 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Note: For additional questions about this training, please contact [email protected]
If you or your church wants to get involved in this life-changing work, but you aren’t sure where to start, reach out to us today. We’re ready to help you and your family of faith minister to those hurting in your community.