Bethanië

Multifunctional Center (MFC)

MFC Bethanië is an entrepreneurial organization that provides quality care for children/youth with behavioral and/or emotional problems and their context (Bethanië, s.d.). We seek the right pathway for each child/youth and their context with attention to the various life domains. With a robust program focused on many profound living and learning experiences, we encourage the children/youth and their context to reconnect with their normal developmental tasks. The starting point is always their power to grow. When things are not (or no longer) possible at home, we temporarily offer a meaningful, harmonious and stimulating alternative. Yet the starting point always remains parental responsibility and competence.

Bethany is both an Observation and Treatment Center (OBC) and a Multifunctional Center (MFC). Both are spread over two locations in Genk and Godsheide (Bethanië, s.d.).

Bethanië takes in children/youth for a variety of reasons. For example: PH (individuals with disabilities, emotional problems, behavioral problems, (sexual) abuse, trauma...). Each individual receives help with a focus on development and care. In some situations, foster parents are sought. The goal is to get the children functioning again in everyday life. Bethany works step by step, e.g. assisting children/youth with showering, addressing eating issues and so on.

As mentioned earlier, the parents are also helped. They may be struggling with e.g. depression, alcohol problems or in general trauma. It is very important to rebuild the bond between child and parent, because this way, step by step, the child regains trust in adults.

Treatment depends from person to person. An OBC (untreated aspect) is usually +- 3 years. Counseling often takes five to seven years or longer. In the Kiezelstraat, one has "an accompanied student house". In this way one offers part freedom and part control and constitutes the first step in social life.

Who lives there? 

Bethanië houses children/young people from 2.5 to 25 years old. The building is divided into different living groups. Each group amounts to +- 8 people. In addition to children, there are also educators who occasionally stay at Bethanië. In this way, a confidential relationship is established with the children and one can work optimally.

Different groups: 

• Age group: 2,5 to 7 years
• Age group: 7 to 11 years
• Age group; adolescent girls 
• Age group: adolescent boys

Who works there?

In total, Bethanië has about 190 employees spread over the residence in Hasselt and Genk.

There are permanent staff (educators), volunteers, interns, cleaning crew, technical service and green service.

Who visits?