The Elizabeth W.

Murphey School
Serving the Children of Delaware Since 1922

Mission/History
Founder: Sanford S. Murphey
Born and raised in Dover
Successful mine owner in CO
Wished to give back to Dover and
honor his mother

It is my desire that this institution shall be a

fostering home where children who would
otherwise be neglected may have a happy
childhood; and where they may have the
fullest opportunity to develop toward useful
and efficient lives.
- Sanford S. Murphey

The Murphey School Mission Statement, as written by Sanford S. Murphey, 1922

Mission/History

Incorporated in 1922
Purchased land on outskirts of town
First building completed in 1923
Last building completed in 1935

Mission/History
Named a School because, in Mr. Murpheys words:
I wish this institution to avoid the unhappy associations
of orphanages or childrens homes. Furthermore, I
view the rearing of children as a round-the-clock
process.

Target Population
Residents, 1930

Target Population
Residents, 2015

Target Population
Still in line with Mr. Murpheys vision, with some differences:
School does not hold custody
More pieces to the puzzle:
Alternative school placements
Mental health - PBH
Probation YRS
Tutoring

Services
Group Foster Care
Family Reunification Counseling
Tutoring
Independent Living Program
Visitation Cottage

Services
Group Foster Care

Four residences
Divided by gender and age group
Up to 40 children
Currently 32 children in care
Round the clock staffing (incl. awake overnight)
Houseparents teach, nurture, counsel

Services
Intake:

Referral from DFS

Internal review
Interview with Director
Tour
Intake meeting paperwork!

Services
Family Reunification Counseling
For those children who have a goal of reunification through DFS
On-site FRC works with the children and their family on issues
that led to foster care
FRC makes recommendations to DFS
FRC works in tandem with off-site counselors
FRC testifies in court hearings

Services
Tutoring
On-site tutoring with reading and math specialists
Children are offered tutoring whenever they want it
Required if grades drop below C

Services
Independent Living Program
Ages 16 21
Teaches skills such as Employment Readiness, Money
Management, Housing
Connects youth with scholarship and educational opportunities
Connects youth with housing opportunities
Helps youth even after they age out of care, until age 21

Services
Visitation Cottage
Out of state family members,
homeless family members
Approved in advance by
DFS worker
Unsupervised visits
Offers a normal
environment for interaction

Structure/Governance
Board of
Directors
Executive
Director
Director of
Programming

IL Program
Manager

Cottage
Managers

IL Case
Managers

Houseparents

Maintenance
Supervisor

Office
Manager

Director of
Personnel

Funding
Division of Family Services
Grants
Endowment interest
Donations/gifts

Strengths/Trends/Challenges
Group home placement often last resort
Bad reputation

Offer more services than traditional foster home

Trend: moving away from congregate care
Future uncertain for group homes

For more information:

www.murpheyschool.org
302-734-7478