Homebuilders®
Crossnore is excited to be the first agency in North Carolina trained to offer HOMEBUILDERS® family preservation services.
HOMEBUILDERS® is the oldest, most studied evidence-based Intensive Family Preservation Service (IFPS) in the United States. Our Practitioners work with families involved with the child welfare system with the goal of removing the risk of harm to the child instead of removing the child. The program gives families the chance to learn new behaviors and helps them make better choices for their children.
Our Practitioners work with children, birth to 17 years old, to support Placement Prevention for children who are at risk of out-of-home placement through DSS.
Child safety is ensured through small caseloads and program intensity. Services are available 24 hours a day. Parent(s)/caregiver(s) meet with a Practitioner three to five times a week, for a total of approximately 40 hours, during a 4 to 6 week period.
HOMEBUILDERS at Crossnore currently maintains a success rate of 97.3%. As of March 2025, 36 out of 37 children have maintained placement with their permanent caregiver at the conclusion of services.
Referrals
DSS Social workers can make referrals to this program, if the following criteria are met:
- The parent(s)/caregiver(s) are aware of the referral for HOMEBUILDERS®, and at least one parent/caregiver in the home is willing to participate.
- Confirm the family will be available for an intake session within 24 hours of referral.
- Confirm the family will be available to meet with a Practitioner 3 to 5 times
per week, for a total of approximately 40 hours, during a 4 to 6 week period. - Maintaining the child in the home is not just a temporary plan.
The child is not on a waiting list or pending entry into out-of-home
treatment, alternative placementor a juvenile justice institution. - The parent(s)/caregiver(s) have been informed of the risk of
removal or re-removal. - DSS Referring Worker has had contact with the family within 2 business days prior to referral for placement prevention.
Testimonials
"I appreciate the work HOMEBUILDERS does with our families. The families are left with more resources and a better outlook on their circumstances."
— Davidson County Social Worker
"The Specialist helped us with budgeting, saving money, using chore charts."
— Caregiver, Elon, NC
"The family loved working with HOMEBUILDERS and was very receptive to the services that HOMEBUILDERS provided to help the Caregiver with putting things in place for her family."
— Surry County Social Worker
"I'm just very grateful and I believe you guys are a God send."
— Caregiver, Lexington, NC
"The family was provided with education based on learning style. The Specialist was hands on and tailored services to meet the family's needs. The family successfully completed program."
— Durham County Social Worker
"They really did great. Especially with myself. Taught me a lot. "
— Caregiver, Winston-Salem, NC
"I really appreciate all the work that HOMEBUILDERS has done with this case family. It makes a huge impact and difference in the lives of the children, and ultimately helping keep the family unit intact while also ensuring the safety and well-being of the children involved."
— Chatham County Social Worker
"The 4 weeks went by so fast and the Specialist did everything well, especially building rapport. It was easy to learn new skills by watching the Specialist and then doing what she did. "
— Caregiver, Mebane, NC
"HOMEBUILDERS has significantly reduced safety risks within the home and made a huge impact on improving the overall outcome for this family. "
— Chatham County Social Worker
