FAQ LFF Academy and rehabilitation shelter

1. When will the Academy and rehabilitation shelter be ready and who will sponsor the architectural design?
   The Academy and pilot shelter are scheduled to open in early 2009. The design will be provided, pro bono, by Thai architect, K Kanika of Spacetime Architects Thailand. The architect works in conjunction with an environmental consultancy group, the Thai Social Welfare Department, CPCR and LFF.



2. Why are you operating the LFF Academy and the rehabilitation shelter on the same grounds?
   The programs operate separately but by keeping them close we believe the programs can complement and reinforce one another. For example, the LFF Academy can provide training to our own care-givers working in the rehabilitation shelter and participants in the LFF Academy can look to the rehabilitation shelter as a live model of the training they are receiving.



3. What is the definition of “severely abused children”?
   Children who have been repeatedly and severely sexually abused or physically mistreated and traumatized with deep physical or psychological scars. Most of these children have lost or have never known their parents. For others it has become unsafe to return to their parents.



4. Where will these severely abused children come from?
   Children will be referred by hospitals, CPCR, the Thai Police, the Thai Social Welfare Department and other shelters.



5. How many girls and boys will find a place at the rehabilitation shelter?
   Initially the rehabilitation center will serve 30 traumatized and abused orphans between the ages of 3 and 12. Eventually we hope to add additional housing for more orphans.



6. Why 3-12 years of age?
   CPCR experiences of over 25 years have found that abused children below 3 years old and above 12 are in different need of specialized care, focused rehabilitation or vocational training and should be kept separately. LFF is initially focusing on the target group of 3-12 however as the resources become available we will also like to build shelters for younger and older children and afford them the special care necessary.



7. Where do the children go after?
   A decision will be made on a case-by-case basis after each child has achieved the goals of the program and is determined to be emotionally and logistically equipped to leave the shelter. Other network shelters, foster families or boarding schools are identified for each child so that they may continue on a safe and caring path. LFF works to ensure the best placement for each child to achieve reintegration and offers donors the chance of scholarship support.



8. Which network shelters are CPCR and LFF working with?
   Bangkok Child and Family Shelter, Baan Bhumived Boys Home, Baan Thanyaporn Girls Home, Baan Kerlaroon, Baan Nareesawad and the rehabilitation and development centers in Lampang and Chonburi.



9. How are operations supervised?
   LFF is working under the guidelines and supervision of CPCR to run the shelter on a daily basis. CPCR has 25 years of work experience in this field and is well equipped to provide this supervision.



10. What about the costs?
    LFF aims to keep costs as low as possible by paying Thai standard salaries, working with foreign volunteers, and keeping administration costs below 12%. LFF’s Swiss management has high standards for precision, transparency and accountability in all aspects of the program. LFF has acquired a free lease of two rai of land and material gifts from various companies. The entire Rehabilitation shelter and LFF Academy with offices, medical center and staff house is thus estimated to cost only around USD 200,000.



11. What is the vision for the rehabilitation shelter and why is it called a pilot project?
    Once the rehabilitation shelter is well established, we hope to replicate the model throughout Thailand, Burma, Laos and Cambodia. The pilot project will also serve as a research center for the cause of the foundation and as a consultancy model for shelters catering to children with special needs.