What We Do

What We Do

Hutton Settlement is a Neighborhood of Care

We provide safe and healthy living opportunities for children, ages 6 to 18 in need of a long-term alternative home. The historic campus consists of four large homes, supported by 319 acres of pristine natural settings with opportunities for learning and recreation.

We believe in.. . . .

  • A safe home and family
  • Relationships of compassion and respect
  • Hope and wholeness through opportunity

Our Mission

The Hutton Settlement nurtures, educates and prepares children who are in need of a safe and healthy home. It is our vision that through excellence in residential care and family engagement, the Hutton Settlement will empower each child to lead an independent and fulfilled life of value and contribution.

Our Vision

It is our vision that through excellence in residential care and family engagement, the Hutton Settlement will empower each child to lead an independent and fulfilled life of value and contribution. At Hutton, we strongly believe that children need stability so that they may develop to be responsible & healthy.

Our Values

We believe in: A safe home and family, Relationships of compassion and respect, Hope and wholeness through opportunity. Hutton Settlement is an option for children in need of long-term care. Placements may last as short as one year or a child may remain through high school.

Our Model

Quadrants of Care

Attachment-Based

We believe deep change and healing occurs, not from brief stays focused on behavioral management practices, but on sustainable and attuned relationships focused on building secure connections. This approach patiently fosters safety and trust, and assists in forming and maintaining a child’s relationship with both their parents and direct care staff. Our model of care is guided by the Circle of Security attachment based parenting model intending to enhance awareness and emotional attunement. Our mental health team specializes in trauma informed care and attachment-based interventions. Additionally, half of our care staff are Registered Circle of Security facilitators through COS International and support parents in reunification or Hutton permanency partnerships.

Social Emotional Learning

With many of our children dealing with social and behavioral health issues associated with complex trauma and insecure attachments, we invest in building capacities and skills in emotional intelligence through social emotional learning opportunities. This learning is delivered through diverse methods and content to include our on campus service learning program, adventure-based expeditions, and creative arts club. Additionally, our SET life skills development plan for residents in 9th through 12th grade guides adolescents through personal assessments, relationship courses and experiential learning to develop self-awareness, self-management, social awareness and relationship management skills.

Servant Leadership

Cultivating a culture of excellence through a defined purpose, celebrated progress, high competence and empowered choice requires leadership that builds trust through support and accountability. With appreciative inquiry sessions to promote innovation and strengths recognition, a dynamic governance model for consent-based decision making, weekly training and consultation for direct care staff development, and senior leadership trained in the latest organizational development and business administration practices, the Hutton Settlement is committed to leadership that serves first.

Sustainable Living

On our 319-acre campus, we have a strong history of farming and conservation. This tradition continues as we adapt to modern methods that support health in our ecological and societal systems. Sustainable living at Hutton involves teaching and practicing the ethics of people care, earth care and fair share through permaculture gardening, tree farming, nature studies, food preservation & distribution, handicrafts and community development. Through collaborative efforts with our social emotional learning programs, Hutton’s sustainable living effort strives to expand eco-literacy to all residents.

More About Our Program

Hutton Settlement has been in place for nearly a century. ​Our program provides the stability that is difficult to achieve in short-term foster care. Children’s lives at Hutton are consistent, with brothers, sisters, friends, and other meaningful adults. We give children a stable environment to help strengthen their growth and development.

The Hutton Settlement campus operation is certified by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services as meeting all of the licensing requirements for a residential childcare facility. Children under the care and custody of the state may be placed at The Settlement at no cost to taxpayers. They will maintain a DSHS case monitor and will work in cooperation with the Hutton staff in these responsibilities.

How We Are Organized

Hutton Settlement is a neighborhood of care. We have four large homes where children live in a household setting under the supervision of “house parents”. This structure is meant to give children individualized care.

How Does a Child Come to Hutton?

Referrals come from parents, grandparents, family members, case managers, therapists, educators, and other child welfare advocates. The referral process can begin with a simple phone call or e-mail to our office. We will guide you through an evaluation of the child’s needs and the needs of the family. It will then be determined if Hutton Settlement will be in the best interest of the child.

Length of Stay

Children should plan to stay for at least the completion of a full school year, although some may stay through high school. We can provide both short term stays of 9 months to one year, or permanency lasting many years.

Responsibility

If parents/guardians wish to retain responsibility for their child without involvement from government agencies, it is possible to directly place their child/children at the Hutton Settlement. Our goal is to keep siblings together and partner with parents and guardians to create the best possible experience.

Cost

The Hutton Settlement is privately endowed, therefore it is not dependent on government funding for support. No child is turned away because a parent/guardian is unable to pay. The charge depends on if caretaker is able to pay.

Our Funding Model

The Hutton Settlement funding model allows for more freedom to help those in need.

The Hutton Settlement owns and manages a diverse portfolio of over 20 properties that range from medical plazas, retail strip malls and industrial space to traditional office buildings. Tenants include local small business, non-profits and corporate brands. For 100 years, the rental income has and continues to provide stability for the organization by funding the majority of daily operations at the Settlement.  Learn more by reading out tenant spotlights. 

Highlighting Our History and Commitment

We aren’t just a place to live, but rather a neighborhood of care, providing opportunities for growth and development for children residing with us. Stay connected and see what’s going on at Hutton Settlement!

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