IL Baptist Children's Home and Family Services

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Contact Information

949 County Road
P.O. Box 218
Carmi, IL 62821
United States

Online Contact Form
DayHours
Monday 8 AM-5 PM
Tuesday 8 AM-5 PM
Wednesday 8 AM-5 PM
Thursday 8 AM-5 PM
Friday 8-11:30 AM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Social Media

Baptist Children’s Home began in 1918 in response to a need in Illinois to care for dependent children who were orphaned as a result of WWI and the great influenza epidemic that struck Illinois.
Illinois Southern Baptists had the dream of building an orphanage, but the hard work of three men made the dream a reality. The pastor of Carmi First Baptist Church, D.F. Marlin, and two of his deacons—Eben Renshaw and John W. Hall led the charge to raise the money needed to build the orphanage.
Through the years, the Children’s Home’s ministry has evolved in response to the needs of children and families. No longer a need to care for orphans, the mission changed to focus on the dependent, neglected and/or abused children. In 1995, our name changed to Baptist Children’s Home & Family Services to better reflect that we are more family-focused in our work.
Today, BCHFS is a multi-faceted family crisis center in Southern Illinois consisting of five ministries that work together to protect, heal, and restore struggling children and families. Whether it is helping teens in trouble, young women with unplanned pregnancies, or Christian counseling services – BCHFS has been helping those who need it most reach their full potential.
We provide resources for women facing unplanned pregnancies. Our services include safe residential housing for women facing homelessness while pregnant.


Services and information

  • Adoption

Requirements to become a foster parent

You must meet minimum requirements to provide foster care for children in Illinois. To become a foster parent, you must:

  • Be at least 21 years old
  • Attend foster parent orientation
  • Pass a background check
  • Finish 30 hours of foster parent training
  • Complete the Home Study
  • Provide at least three references
  • Clear a physical exam
  • Maintain financial stability

Foster families must be able to provide a safe and comfortable home for a child. You must provide room for the child to have a bed and enough space for personal belongings.

Foster parents do not need to be married or have a partner. However, if married, couples must show a stable marriage of at least one year before they can foster a child in Illinois.

Foster parents need to meet a child's basic care needs, such as providing meals and clothing. Foster families must also support a foster child's education and assist them in developing social skills.

Contact the DCFS or a local licensed child-placing agency to learn more or begin the fostering approval process.


Ratings and Reviews

Average user rating

4.6 / 5
Rating breakdown
5
4
3
2
1
If you have an experience with this agency, please write a review.
Michael Johnson
Oct 26, 2022

Was there on 1982 for 9 months. I lived in Garrison Cottage. My house parents were Harold and Barbara Winder. Unsure of it then, BUT VERY BLESSED to have lived there when looking back. Keep up the great work you are doing. Keep loving these children and keep Christ the focus.
Michael D. Johnson
Resident
2/82-11/82

Rating: 5

Donald Kragness
Sep 24, 2019

Fall Fest is a lot of fun

Rating: 5

KrystleCrimson Costello
Jun 20, 2019

This is the best place ever for any troubled teen. I love the fact that they go on a sliding pay scale. The staff is amazing and keep you very informed about your child.

Rating: 5

Diane Strong
Mar 03, 2019

Wonderful place

Rating: 5

Ross Patton
Aug 04, 2017

I visited this Childrens' Home many times some years back, as one of my Aunt's and Uncle's were retired from personal careers (well, Aunt Peg actually had been a "Stay at home Christian Mother, while Uncle Charlie drove an OTR Truck), and for about 16 years during their personal retirement - they worked as full time Cottage Parents here.
I interacted with everyone when I visited, like I was one of their caring Christian Family members - sharing meals with them, attending Church with them at the First Baptist Church in Carmi, playing with the kids and praying with and talking with/listening to their concerns, crying and laughing with them! Many of the same Loving and caring Christian experienciences I had in my own home growing up during the 50's and 60's.
I am so sorry for the young lady (MS Hutcherson), who lived there and obviously refused to receive the caring and loving compassion that is offered there. I will pray for you, young lady.
From a Christisn man well into my sixties now. God Bless this Home and everyone who encounters and experiences it.

Rating: 5