Our Story

The Children’s Home Society of Idaho was founded in 1908 by O.P. Christian with support from community leaders, C.W. Moore and Gov. Frank R. Gooding. Their aim was to provide a place for children who were roaming city streets, begging and stealing food.

When foster care came about in the late 1960s, orphanages were soon to become obsolete. Children’s Home Society worked with Boise State University to determine the greatest need in the community for children at that time. Studies showed that there was a lack of mental, emotional and behavioral health care for children, especially those in low-income families. Thus, a transition began in 1975 from orphanage to an outpatient mental health clinic, the Warm Springs Counseling Center.

In the last year the Warm Springs Counseling Center saw over 2,800 children and their family members. Between 50 and 60% of the children we see have Medicaid as their primary insurance. Common issues that we treat include bullying, trauma, abuse, grief, self-esteem issues, eating disorders, bipolar disorders, and life transitions, just to name a few.

MISSION

We are a community of knowledgeable and compassionate professionals who believe that all children deserve to receive the best in mental/behavioral health care.

OUR VISION

We are leader in providing accessible, affordable, and comprehensive mental health care. We prioritize mental health in the same way as physical health and promote wellness for all children and their families.

"A child's mental health is just as important as their physical health and deserves the same quality of support."

-Princess Catherine of Wales

Providing mental health care services is a large part of what we do. However, we strive to educate and bring awareness to our community on the importance of mental health.

We work to reduce the stigma surrounding discussing mental health and help prevent feelings of shame, embarrassment, and loneliness. Reducing stigma helps children and family members access our resources, programs, and services, here at the Children’s Home Society.

"All children deserve proper mental health care."

-Children's Home Society of Idaho

Whether or a not a child has the financial means, the transportation, or their family support, all children have the right to receive proper mental health care. That is why we make it our daily mission to be a place for all children. Whether that is through paying for their services from the support of donors and fundraising, providing counseling in telehealth, we will always live by our philosophy that all children get the proper care that they deserve.