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. To request more information, or to schedule an online meeting to learn more and ask questions click below.
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An online pre-training education and a two-day in-person training prepares Families Count Coordinators and Class Co-Leaders to become certified and partner with Child Protective Services and at-risk parents.
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Once licensed, our partner churches are positioned to implement Families Count in their respective communities.
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This 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 a church leader overseeing your Families Count ministry attend the training.
Co-Leaders and Coordinators must attend in order to be certified.
Access the Pre-Training Education course here!
July 18, 2025 – 4:30pm – 9:00pm July 19, 2025 – 8:45am – 4:00pm Location: The Empower Campus Community Room - 1915 E 8th Street, Sioux Falls, SD 57105 Registration
July 25, 2025 – 4:30pm – 9:00pm July 26, 2025 – 8:45am – 4:00pm Location: Christianburg Baptist Church, 1037 Frys Oldburg Rd, Bagdad, KY 40003 Registration Fee: $129 About Families
August 1, 2025 – 4:30pm – 9:00pm August 2, 2025 – 8:45am – 4:00pm Location: First Presbyterian Church Registration Fee: $129 About Families Count: As financial pitfalls, drugs, alcohol, stress,
We are excited to announce Lifeline's First Annual Church-Based Programs Conference, scheduled for August 21st-23rd, 2025 at Bull Street Baptist Church in Savannah, Georgia! This three-day event is designed for
Dates and Times: September 4, 2025 – 11:30am – 4:00pm September 5, 2025 – 8:45am – 4:00pm Location: 1st Floor Center Conference Room Lifeline Children's Services: 200 Missionary Ridge Dr.