Priya was born in rural India. Her father died when she was only 6 years old, and her struggling mother could not support the family. In an act of desperation and selfless love, she was placed—along with her two sisters—in an orphanage, hoping they would have a better life. 

Priya and her sister lived at this orphanage for seven long years until a Miracle Foundation staff member asked them one critical question:

“Is there anyone you would feel safe going home to live with?”

Of the 70 children at the orphanage, all 70 could name a safe individual, and, once contacted, all 70 had relatives come to discuss next steps. In Priya’s case, it was her grandmother who showed up, eager to have the children home again.

This is where the Thrive Scale™ goes to work. Home studies from social workers evaluate the state of Priya’s living environment. Using a phone-based app and a series of measurable markers, a baseline condition is established and needs are assessed. From the quality of the school to the location of the nearest hospital, no area of health, education, or wellness is overlooked.

In Priya’s case, her grandmother’s home needed a new roof, beds, mattresses, and furniture. They also needed support paying for school transportation fees, access to wi-fi, and school supplies. On average, it costs $1,260 to complete this process and support a child as they return home. Ironically, it costs four times that to keep a child in an orphanage.   

Once settled, Miracle Foundation social workers follow up with Priya and reevaluate her placement and Thrive Scale™ score on a quarterly basis, taking note of successes and working to enhance areas that need improvement. It’s a process that unfolds over 36 months to ensure each child is safe and permanently home where they belong.