CHILD BRIDGE, INC

Consistent with our mission, Child Bridge's overarching goals are to RECRUIT foster families and EQUIP foster and adoptive families to successfully care for children who have suffered unspeakable trauma caused by abuse and neglect.

ABOUT RECRUITING

Finding a family takes many touch points. This includes presenting information (usually at churches), answering questions, and offering guidance through the training and licensing process.

In 2021, we started offering FOSTER CARE INFORMATION MEETINGS. These meetings are a way for families to learn more, alongside other people who are in exactly the same place – the very beginning.

When a family is ready to move forward and start the process of becoming licensed, Child Bridge makes a warm handoff to the State or another approved training/licensing entity.

ABOUT EQUIPPING

For many years, Child Bridge has offered MONTHLY GROUP EDUCATION in communities across the state. During COVID, we quickly transitioned to virtual group education sessions. Today we offer both in-person and virtual options.

In 2021, we introduced SMALL GROUP/BOOK STUDIES. These are facilitated discussions that take a “deeper dive” into topics. Families leave with tangible takeaways and practical parenting skills they can put into place right away. These small groups also build a community among local foster families.

We also offer social FAMILY GATHERINGS. These are casual, but intentional, together-time for the whole family. These meet-ups are designed to help foster families meet others, connect, and know that they aren’t alone on their fostering journey.

In 2022, there were 2,718 instances of adult caregivers participating in Child Bridge equipping programs and services.

A Child Bridge foster mom says, “We are no longer living on an island. Every Child Bridge connection and class helps us learn how to be successful foster parents.”

Our mission remains laser-focused and strategically simple: “to find and equip foster and adoptive families for children who have suffered from abuse and neglect.”

The work, however, is far from easy.

We remain highly attune to what families want and need in order to be successful caring for children who have experienced unspeakable trauma.

For instance, we have EXPANDED THE WAY WE EQUIP FAMILIES: from monthly, in-person group education events to a variety of online and in-person options, including our very popular book study groups (introduced in 2021) and our new parent-child together programming (introduced in 2022). In 2023, we will be unveiling an online resource library with more than 250 vetted books, articles, websites, webinars and more.

In response to family feedback, we will also be producing specialized, trauma-informed “micro-content” for foster/adoptive families. For instance, a mom who doesn’t have time to read a book can read a blog. Or listen to a podcast while she washes dishes or drives around town.

Child Bridge is also committed to STAFF DEVELOPMENT / SPECIALTY JOB KNOWLEDGE to better equip families. We currently have 8 formally trained TBRI(R) Practitioners on staff. (TBRI is Trust-Based Relational Intervention -- the trauma-informed caregiver model we use to train families.) We also have 3 Certified Parent Coaches on staff, and plans to upskill others.

By expanding our equipping offerings and building our teams’ skill sets, we can build parents’ skill sets, which will improve outcomes for families and the children their care.

Child Bridge was founded in Bigfork, Montana in 2011. In its first year, the co-founders' recruitment efforts doubled the number of licensed foster families in Flathead Valley. Given this early success, and the growing need for foster families, Child Bridge strategically and thoughtfully expanded its reach.

We opened our first regional office in Billings (2015), followed by Missoula (2016), Bozeman (2017), Great Falls (2018), Butte (2019), Glendive (2019), Kalispell (2021) and Helena (2022).

Hundreds of foster families have been recruited across Montana, and thousands of hurting children have found safety and stability in their arms... whether they needed a family for a few days, a few months, or forever.

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Child Bridge is a highly respected social impact organization. Our work has garnered national attention, for providing thoughtful and life-changing solutions to the child welfare problem.

In 2016, in Washington DC, Child Bridge became the first Montana organization to receive the ANGELS IN ADOPTION AWARD from the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute. This award recognizes individuals or organizations that have made extraordinary contributions to the areas of foster care/adoption.

In 2018, our co-founders, Steve and Mary Bryan were recognized as the NonProfit PRO NONPROFIT PROFESSIONALS OF THE YEAR. They received the “UNSUNG HEROES” award for their impact on the lives of Montana’s children and families.

Every year, Child Bridge is the TOP RECRUITER of new foster families for the State of Montana. In 2021, Child Bridge introduced 109 families for training/licensing This is especially meaningful because Montana was one of only 15 states in the nation that increased the number of licensed foster families in 2021.