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Community Development Through Family-Based Boys and Girls HomesOne of the purposes of CF&PM in partnership with the Thai foundation is to provide homes for children that are homeless or at risk due to having parents in prison. There are thousands of children under the age of 2 years old in Thai prisons. After the age of two the Thai prisons force the mothers to give up the children to family members or orphanages. In many cases, the families are very poor and do not want an extra mouth to feed. These children run the risk of being forced into child labor and sex trafficking which is rampant in Thailand. 
It is CF&PM’s mission to provide a safe, family-based environment where the children live in homes with no more than 7 children and have house parents that act as surrogate parents. Rather than having an orphanage or “staff-based” environment, raising the children as a family unit provides the time, attention and love that God has designed for all children. Because of the smaller home sizes, it also provides a unique opportunity for the staff to take the children to visit their parents, usually the mothers, on a regular basis. It is not CF&PM’s intention to replace the biological family, but to provide a safe and loving environment in which the children can flourish as well as maintain regular contact with their parents which would not be available without the assistance of CF&PM. CF&PM saw the first child, named Bing, brought into the boy’s home in March 2008. Bing’s mother is in a prison in Chiang Mai, Thailand serving a life sentence. In Thailand, sentences are very stiff and there is usually no chance for early release. It is more than likely that Bing will never see his mother outside of prison. But, because CF&PM help provide care and support for Bing, he is able to make the 4-hour journey by bus (accompanied by the staff) from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai to see his mother reasonably often. CF&PM provides the resources and support for all of the basic necessities of life for the children living in the boys and girls homes from the time they enter the home until they become an adult: • House Parents
Community Development Outreach of CF&PM in Thailand PrisonsAnother purpose of CF&PM is to build relationships and partner with the Thai prisons in Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Tak, Lampang, and Bangkok. Because Arlang, Jinda and Amy Wuncherkoo were born and raised in Thailand they are able to speak the local Thai dialects. This allows CF&PM to to interact with and build long-term relationships with the prison officials, wardens and guards. Through those relationships CF&PM is able to become aware of the most at-risk children Because the conditions inside of Thailand prisons can be harsh and medical and • Chewable adult, children and pre-natal vitamins One of the most rewarding parts of the ministry with the prisons is being able to take the children to the prisons to visit their mothers and fathers. Because the children are no longer allowed to be with their parents beyond the age of two and the sentences can be very long, many of the children would never be able to see their parents again. Because CF&PM provides house parents and transportation, the CF&PM children are able to visit their parents on a regular basis. This is the ideal situation as the children are raised in a safe and loving environment and still maintain a relationship with their biological parents.
Community Development Outreach of CF&PM in Thailand Villages Through Education and SportsMany of the families served through CF&PM are ethnic minorities or hill-tribe people, who only speak their own ethnic tribal language. Tourism is one of the biggest industries in Thailand and English is the language of tourism. Speaking, reading and writing English is a way out of the cycle of poverty. English and Chinese is the language of business in Thailand. Ryan teaches English at Grace Language school located in Chiang Rai, and teaches English to the children of Munity Dek Let Kahp Kula Nai Ruinjam. Ped, Chawalit Kanungkaiwan , a Thai national who was educated in the US and is a member of the Board of Directors of CF&PM, also teaches English, Chinese, math and science classes three times a week in special tutoring sessions. English Classes are also taught CF&PM also provides community outreach through medical and health care seminars as there are many children’s foundations working in Chiang Rai province many of whom employ young, inexperienced young girls to care for the children. Medical professionals from the US teach child development, first aid, hand-washing, how to recognize common childhood illnesses, when to seek medical care and when conditions can be handled in the home. The seminars are open to anyone working with children in Thailand. Future plans include vaccination and dental clinics. In February 2009, CF&PM hosted a health and wellness seminar in Chiang Rai that was attended by over 60 people representing over 15 different local charities and children’s organizations. Another important outreach function of CF&PM is through sports and sports camps. Using sports and sports camps is a way to build relationships with local tribal villages, teach English and communicate the gospel message of Jesus Christ. In February of 2009, with the support of the Mustang Soccer Club, CF&PM hosted a soccer camp for a very poor Akkah village. CF&PM was able to provide a two-day camp including t-shirts for every player. In addition, every family got to take one soccer ball home with them at the conclusion of the camp. Many of the children attended the soccer camp without having shoes on their feet. The ability to continue to provide sports camps is an important function of CF&PM as it allows us to reach poor children and give hope to those who do not have it.
CF&PM Support of Christian Workers Dedicated to Improving the Lives of Children in Northern Thailand
Child, Family & Prison Ministries is dedicated to improving the lives of children in Northern Thailand. One of the most important investments we can make is in the Christian workers that have dedicated their lives to this ministry. CF&PM helps provide support for Ryan Roe and 5 full-time Thai staff working in the current children’s homes. Ryan and the Thai staff provide the daily care, support and leadership that will help CF&PM realize its vision for rescuing children from the devastating effects of incarceration and provide a family-based environment in which to share the love of Jesus Christ.
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by various short-term missionaries associated with CF&PM.