FAQ

Where do Murphy-Harpst’s children come from?

Most of the children who arrive at Murphy-Harpst are in temporary custody of the state as a result of being from abusive living situations. They come from across the State of Georgia.  Approximatley 45 percent are from the metropolitan Atlanta area.  Some have been in as many as 50 placements before coming to Murphy-Harpst.  Such failures for the children add to the trauma that they have already experienced.   They must receive therapeutic care.

What is the average number of children generally served at Murphy-Harpst for one year?

A total of 266 in 2010-11.

What ages of children does Murphy-Harpst help?

We care for children and youth, ages seven to 18.

What are some unique behavioral characteristics of children at Murphy-Harpst?

Because of the trauma they’ve suffered, many children respond to interaction with severe aggression or withdrawal. Approximately half are not capable of attending public schools; these children attend an on-site campus school, the Harpst Academy. After arriving at Murphy-Harpst, some of the children horde their food for fear of going hungry.

What is Murphy-Harpst’s success rate?

For years, Murphy-Harpst has consistently transitioned 80% (86% in 2010-11) of the children served back into less restrictive environments such as family homes, group homes, or independent living settings for older adolescents.

How long are children in residence?

On June 30, 2011, a total of 31% had been in residence for less than 6 months; 33% for 6 months to one year; 27% for one to two years; 9% percent for two years plus.

Where do children in residence attend school?

In the 2010-11 academic year, 58% received education on campus in the Harpst Academy, and 42% enrolled in Polk County Schools.

How does Murphy-Harpst determine success with children?

Murphy-Harpst works to undo the damage the children have suffered by providing a consistently therapeutic environment and Christian nurturing. Our definition of “success” is based on improved functioning scores, achievement of treatment goals, academic progress, child and his/her guardian satisfaction surveys, and discharge to an appropriate home-like environment.

How do you know a child is rehabilitated and ready for foster care?

Murphy-Harpst has a number of programs in place that help educate the children and their families (or foster parents) about the recovery process and assist as the children are reintegrated into the community.  Services and programs range from our Specialized Foster Care program that allows them to live with a family and attend community schools, to the Success and After-Care programs, among others.

What happens to the children that don’t receive help from Murphy-Harpst?                        

Without our help, many of these children could find themselves in state prisons or mental hospitals. Victims of severe abuse and neglect have higher rates of committing violent crime, suicide and drug and alcohol abuse, to name a few. In addition, at least 30 percent of abused and neglected children that haven’t received help will later abuse their own children, continuing the vicious cycle.

What does Murphy-Harpst need from the community to thrive?

Financial support.  Since our greatest funding need is for therapy, it best serves our children if we receive monetary, rather than in-kind, donations. To succeed, these children need around-the-clock care, which – while expensive – can mean the difference in whether or not they will be able to lead healthy, productive  lives. 

This is a list of our current needed items.

Where does my money go when I donate to Murphy-Harpst?

Unless otherwise designated, your gift (or donation) is used to help meet the cost of general operations, including therapeutic services.  Our greatest priority is to provide children with quality care from top therapists, and private donations must account for nearly half of our therapy funding. Murphy-Harpst currently has a projected shortfall of $426,610 in therapy funding for the 2012 fiscal year (beginning July 1, 2011).   

How is Murphy-Harpst associated with the Methodist church?

Murphy-Harpst is proud to be a ministry of the United Methodist Church. Our program is designed to heal the whole person which includes professional therapy and Christian nurturing.

How is Murphy-Harpst funded?

Children in residence at Murphy-Harpst have no financial resources, and most are dependent upon state and federal funding. Although Murphy-Harpst receives reimbursement from government sources, payment received falls far short of the costs required for care – roughly $20 more per day than we receive. Because private funding is so crucial to our children, we deeply appreciate the generosity of our donors.

Who started Murphy-Harpst?

Murphy-Harpst Children’s Centers is the union of two homes created by Sarah Murphy in 1931 and Ethel Harpst in 1924 to serve orphaned or neglected children.