What is the purpose of the Church of Christ! facility in the novel, Mr. Splitfoot?

Father Arthur establishes the Church of Christ! facility as an orphange. He invites the most damaged children he can find because the state pays him more money for dire cases. This money does not go to home repairs. The facility is where Eleanor and Ruth are sent after they are taken from their mother, and it is also the home where Ruth and Nat meet, declare themselves sisters, and share a room.