Program Overview

Local police partner with NGOs to rescue and transport minor girls (those under the age of 18) to a government holding facility for processing. After being processed, a girl will either be placed in a government-approved after-care facility (like NHH), repatriated to her family of origin (if deemed to be safe) or, in some cases, simply released back on to the streets.

The Indian Child Welfare Committee (CWC) assigns legal guardianship of girls aged 12-18 to NHH and transfers them to the residential after-care facility located on our main campus in the village of Podu. Phase 1 construction was completed in May 2018 and includes a 3 story dormitory, a kitchen-administration building and a guard house. The existing dormitory can house up to 48 girls and includes 8 bedrooms with adjoining bathrooms, apartments for 2 live-in house mothers, a central stairwell, a TV room, sick bay and laundry room. The kitchen-admin building includes a dining hall, food preparation area, administrative offices, conference rooms and central reception area.

Upon arrival at our main campus, each girl undergoes a formal intake process which includes:

1. A general orientation to the “house” and an introduction to the NHH staff and the other girls at the facility
2. An overview of the educational and vocational programs available to them
3. A complete health examination & updated vaccination(s)
4. A psychological assessment and intake form completion
5. A review of behavioral expectations and security measures

An individual treatment program is subsequently developed for each girl in consultation with the house mothers, nursing staff and counselors. A treatment program will typically include the following elements:

1. Individual Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with a licensed mental health worker (e.g., psychologist, counselor and/or social worker). Individual therapy helps develop a sense of self-esteem and hope for the future. Cognitive distortions are common and the process of questioning and replacing negative thoughts can develop more rational thought processes. CBT has been shown to help address the following:
   
   1. Cognitive problems: Unhealthy patterns of thinking about themselves and/or others.
   2. Relationship challenges: Difficulties getting along with peers, poor problem-solving or social skills and issues involving impaired interpersonal trust.
   3. Affective problems: Sadness, anxiety, anger, inability to regulate emotions.
   4. Family problems: Disruption in family relationships due to abuse or violence.
   5. Traumatic behavior problems: Trauma-related, sexualized, aggressive or oppositional behaviors.
   6. Somatic problems: Sleep difficulties related to physiological hyper-arousal and hyper-vigilance toward trauma triggers.
2. Group therapy sessions help the girls understand different types of abuse, learn to control their emotions, reconcile their past and develop a vision for their future. Participants confront their fears and emotions in a safe, loving environment and learn to change their attitudes toward themselves and others.
3. Recreational therapy (e.g., dance therapy, art therapy, music therapy, etc.). In addition to CBT, non-verbal communication and expression through body awareness, movement and creative expression is used to combat the aftermath of abuse.
4. Educational curriculum conducted by certified teachers
5. Vocational training (e.g., medical lab technician, IT, tailoring, cooking, etc.)
6. Training in basic life skills (e.g., cooking, transportation, banking / financial skills, conflict management, health & hygiene, nutrition, etc.)
7. Recreation and “free” time including staff-led field trips and monthly outings
8. Spiritual / emotional enhancement opportunities. Although NHH is a faith-based Christian organization, we accept girls of all religious faiths and backgrounds without regard to race or ethnicity. Girls are free to practice any faith of their choosing.
9. Routine physical wellness exams
10. Witness preparation (if a girl will be testifying against her perpetrators in court).

Once a girl turns 18 the CWC mandates that they move out of the dormitory located on our main campus. Girls who are interested in pursuing a college degree, additional vocational training and/or participating in a formal internship program may have the option of moving into New Horizons’ Transition House (TH) for up to 3 years. The TH, opened in 2021, is located in the City of Bhimavaram, approximately 40 minutes from our main campus in Podu. The TH has less direct supervision and structure than the after-care facility they came from but provides a safe living environment where the girls take on more responsibility for their own care and have greater interaction with the local community. A House Mother resides with the girls in the TH and therapy and/or medical care continues to be provided as needed.

Eventually, NHH plans to establish a Group Living Home (GLH). In Indian society it is often difficult for girls recovering from sexual abuse to integrate into society or find suitable living accommodations. The Group Living Home will have minimal supervision and allow the girls to have their own place and a small community for mutual support.