Methodist Children’s Home

Myths vs. Facts
Methodist Children’s Home has offered hope to hurting children and families since
1890. Throughout the history of this ministry, we have adapted programs and
services to meet the changing needs of children, families and society. Although
these changes have enabled MCH to serve children more effectively, some have led
to a variety of myths or misperceptions about our ministry. We have identified the
12 most common myths about MCH, and offer facts that will help answer important
questions about our ministry.
Myth 1:
MCH is an orphanage.
• MCH is not an orphanage, although it
was founded as the Northwest Texas
Conference Orphans Home in 1890.
Today, MCH is a multiservice agency
that provides a comprehensive
program of care.
• Although it was common for MCH to
take custody of children during its
days as an orphanage, we no longer
take custody of children or youth in
any program.
Myth 3:
MCH only admits
“troubled kids” and those
with legal problems.
• About 10 percent of youth placed in
our residential programs have minor
legal issues or come through juvenile
probation.
• The majority of our youth have suffered
from neglect, abuse, poverty, school
failure or broken relationships with
their family. Nearly one-half of the
youth at MCH have family-child conflict.
Myth 2:
MCH only provides
services in Waco.
• While MCH was founded in Waco, we
have extended the impact of our ministry
across Texas and New Mexico.
• MCH serves youth, ages 12-18, on the
Waco campus and at the Boys Ranch,
10 miles northeast of Waco.
• MCH began foster care in 1968. Since
that time we have developed a variety
of family preservation services offered
through 12 outreach offices across
Texas and New Mexico.
Myth 4:
MCH is like a juvenile
corrections facility.
• Youth are placed in our residential
program voluntarily by their parents or
managing conservator.
• Our campuses are not “lock-down”
facilities, and families are encouraged
to be involved in their child’s care.
• MCH offers a relationship-based model
of care that provides a wealth of opportunities
for youth to discover and
develop their talents and skills in a
nurturing, Christian community.
Myth 5:
MCH only admits youth
who are Methodist.
• MCH accepts youth for admission
regardless of religious beliefs or
denominational affiliation.
• While spiritual development activities
are integral parts of our residential program,
youth are not coerced into
making personal decisions regarding
their faith.
Myth 6:
Children can be placed at
MCH from any state.
• MCH is affiliated with the seven United
Methodist annual conferences in Texas
and New Mexico. As a result, all youth
placed at MCH must have parents or
a managing conservator who live in
Texas or New Mexico.
10