COPAME is a philantropic organization that provides a shelter for children through the financial suppport of associates, donations from the community, from foreign countries and from municipalities in and around Santa Cruz do Sul..

COPAME's children are mostly victims of abuse or abandonment. The Municipal Child Protection Committee makes the necessary referrals. The number of children at the centre varies. Some stay just a few days, weeks or months. In some special circumstances, some children stay for several years.

COPAME's main goal is to provide temporary shelter for children under risk. Some may be recommended for adoption, after approval from the Children's Court. More than 120 children have been adopted so far.

When the children first arrive, they undergo a group adaptation process overseen by a psychologist who then makes the appropriate referrals.

Staff receive techical orientation in groups or individualy , if necessary.

All of the older children are involved in a rotating schedule of light household chores, where they learn domestic task and how to care for their clothing and other personal belongins. As well, they do arts and crafts to develop their motor skills and creativity, participating in projects both within and outside the centre.

Our geatest challenge is to maintain the existing infrastructure because the resources are not fixed, and children's services require financial security.