Our Mission

The mission of the Children’s Home Society of Idaho is to improve the lives of children in our community. Today, we carry out this mission by operating Warm Springs Counseling Center, which provides superior emotional and behavioral health services to at-risk children and the families that care for them; and Warm Springs Training Institute, which fosters the professional development of mental health providers who serve children and the families that care for them.

Past History

The Children’s Home Society of Idaho is one of oldest, continually operational 501(c) (3) non-profit organizations in the state. The Children’s Home Society still operates out of its original, historic building on Warm Springs Avenue in Boise.

From 1908 to the late 1960′s, Children’s Home Society of Idaho was home for Idaho’s children in need of shelter and care. In 1966, national legislation created the foster care system, making the country’s orphanages obsolete. As this shift occurred, Children’s Home Society transformed. During the late 1960′s, the Children’s Home Board of Directors enlisted the services of Boise State University faculty to conduct a statewide needs assessment for children. The assessment provided strong evidence that there was an immense need for emotional and behavioral health programs for children and adolescents in Idaho.

As a privately funded organization that does not receive state or local tax dollars, Children’s Homes Society of Idaho has long been supported by local philanthropists and private foundations. All financial support received stays local and allows us to provide counseling and therapy services to all children and families in our community, despite ability to pay.