Haven of Hope International’s Orphan Care Training Institute (OCTI) continues to equip caregivers worldwide with trauma-informed skills designed to transform the lives of children from hard places. This summer, the Refuge of Life Children’s Home in Pucallpa, Peru, launched a 12-month Trauma Care Certification Program led by Angela Bryan, LMHC, one of HOHI’s leading clinical trainers and trauma specialists. Ten of the care-taking staff started their first class this month and are expected to complete the certification program by the end of 2026. This beautiful home opened just over two years ago and is now caring for 19 children.
Building on a foundation already laid by OCTI’s global training initiatives, this new certification program incorporates the Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) principles of care, along with other evidence-based best practices in trauma-informed caregiving. Participants will learn how to respond to the complex needs of traumatized children through connection, empowerment, and correction — key elements of effective trauma care, learn how to screen for mental health conditions and develop plans and interventions that help the children heal
This Summer of 2025 initiative follows the Director Training sessions led by Marco and Gladys Aldana (2021), which strengthened leadership and promoted organizational development among directors and caregivers, and The Peace Model Basic Caregiver Training (2023) conducted by Dr. John Sweet, which provided essential behavioral and relational tools for caregiving teams. The certification program now takes this learning to a deeper level, integrating evidence-based psychology with faith-driven compassion to create lasting impact in children’s lives. The team also participates in the ongoing weekly coaching and training offered by Dr. Sweet.
As the first cohort of caregivers in Peru begins this journey, excitement is building for what lies ahead. Over the next year, participants will engage in coursework, case studies, and reflective practice designed to create trauma-informed homes that foster healing and hope.
At HOHI, we believe that when caregivers are trained, children thrive.
Join us in bringing trauma-informed transformation to orphanages around the world. Partner with Haven of Hope International’s Orphan Care Training Institute to sponsor future training, support caregivers, or host a certification program in your region. Together, we can ensure every child experiences the healing love of family and faith.
