Bob Jones University is hosting an open house for the Division of Education and Human Services’ home visiting lab. The opening includes cookies, giveaways and interactive activities on Monday, April 20, from 12 p.m.- 2 p.m. The home visiting lab was initially launched at the beginning of this semester. Located on the first floor of the Alumni building, this room is a mock house for students to practice home visiting for therapeutic and social services.
According to Dr. Julie Hartman, chair of the Division of Human Services, home visiting is “an umbrella term for any professional who offers direct services to a family, child or both in the home.”
The home visiting lab is used by 60 students of many concentrations, including speech therapy, early intervention and social work. Through the lab, they practice assisting families who are struggling with abuse, disabilities or other medical conditions. The lab focuses on equipping students to deal with critical incidents in a new and possibly uncomfortable environment. The lab also promotes ways for students to observe signs and incorporate prevention techniques in the home.
“You’re not looking for what they can’t do. You’re looking for what they can do and build on (that),” Dr. Hartman said.
Other professors who established the lab include Mrs. Abbie Lobach and Miss Cait Reid, both professors of the Division of Human Services. These professors recognized a gap in their students’ education and a need in the community for this kind of experiential learning and professional development.
“BJU sits in a unique position because we are ministry minded,” Dr. Hartman said.
With a growing need for human service professionals in the community, the lab develops students to support the needs of community partners. Dr. Hartman noted that approximately $74.2 billion is spent annually by South Carolina to combat the effects of child abuse and neglect, and South Carolina now ranks 38th nationwide in child well-being. She also mentioned that counteraction measures, such as evidence-based home visiting programs, are estimated to reduce child abuse and neglect by 30-50 percent. Experience with the home visiting lab broadens students’ job opportunities and career competencies.
The idea was initially pitched two years ago at an advisory board meeting of community members and partners. The lab received approval at the end of last semester. Furniture and resources were found at a low cost. Professionals were invited to observe the layout and procedures of the home visiting lab. These professionals included representatives from Miracle Hill, the Bayer Foundation and the South Carolina Children’s Trust. According to Dr. Hartman, this is the only program in South Carolina specifically preparing students for home-visiting work.
“Supporting healthy families reflects God’s design for community and gives us opportunities to share hope with the families we serve,” Dr. Hartman said.
The Division of Education and Human Services has important plans for this lab, but more work must be done to ensure a permanent location. Long term, the Division of Education and Human Services intends to establish a location off campus. An off-campus location would increase accessibility to community partners, other universities and the community. An off-campus location would ideally provide multiple rooms with different types of home environments. Another goal for the lab includes a curriculum to link with the lab, specifically for the annual training for early interventionists in critical incidents, as explained by the Director of the Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
The partnership between BJU and the South Carolina Children’s Trust spans over 10 years. BJU was always a part of the National Child Abuse Prevention Month celebration in April, and this year provides a unique opportunity to share the benefits of the home visiting lab with BJU students and members of the Greenville community.
