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Creating Safety, Healing and Hope Through the Sanctuary Model

For children who have experienced abuse, neglect or other traumatic circumstances, feeling safe is an important first step toward healing. At Hibiscus Children’s Center, the Sanctuary Model helps create an environment where children feel understood, supported and empowered to move forward.

The Sanctuary Model is a trauma-informed approach that recognizes how difficult experiences can affect a child’s emotions, behavior, relationships and ability to trust others. Instead of focusing only on a child’s behavior, Sanctuary encourages caregivers to consider what the child may have experienced and how those experiences are affecting them today.

Simply put, the approach shifts the question from “What is wrong with you?” to “What happened to you, and how can we help?”

The Sanctuary Model is not a separate program at Hibiscus. It is an organization-wide framework that is incorporated into the daily care of children and the overall culture of the agency. It emphasizes physical, emotional, social and psychological safety, along with communication, respect, teamwork and shared responsibility.

For children living at the Tilton Family Children’s Shelter, these principles are especially important. Many have experienced instability, loss and trauma that can make it difficult to trust adults or manage challenging emotions. A consistent, nurturing environment can help children begin to feel secure and develop positive relationships.

Children are also encouraged to identify and express their emotions, manage stress, solve problems and develop healthy coping skills. These important tools can strengthen resilience and help prepare them for challenges they may encounter throughout their lives.

The Sanctuary Model also benefits Hibiscus staff by providing a shared understanding of trauma and a consistent approach to caring for children with complex needs. This also gives staff members the knowledge and tools to recognize and address trauma in their own lives. 

This year, Hibiscus Children’s Center is undergoing Sanctuary Model recertification, demonstrating the organization’s continued commitment to maintaining these principles throughout its programs, services and workplace culture.  All Hibiscus staff are trained in the Sanctuary Model. 

For Hibiscus, the Sanctuary Model is more than a certification. It is a commitment to creating an environment where children are not defined by what has happened to them, but are given the safety, support and opportunities they need to heal, grow and build brighter futures.

For more information about our services and programs for children and families, please visit us at HibiscusChildrensCenter.org.