Mission Kids

Multi-disciplinary team response and case coordination: when an allegation of Child abuse is made, Mission Kids' case coordinators work closely with social workers, law enforcement, prosecutors, and forensic interviewers to facilitate a multidisciplinary response and ensure that victims receive the help they need. By bringing together these professionals from various fields, the multi-disciplinary team can collaborate, resulting in more thorough investigations, provide holistic support to victims, and ensure the best possible outcomes in terms of Child safety, healing, and justice. During 2023 Mission Kids served 1,326 children and 1,498 caregivers.mental health services: Mission Kids Child Advocacy Center partners with licensed trauma therapists to provide evidence-based traumatherapy techniques that address the psychological and emotional impacts of abuse. These services provide a safe and supportive environment where individuals can express their feelings, process trauma, and develop coping strategies. Through therapeutic interventions, we aim to promote healing and resilience while restoring emotional well-being for children and their family members. In 2023, 254 clients received trauma-informed therapy services.forensic interview services: specially trained forensic interviewers elicit key information from children about events they may have experienced or witnessed. This process provides professionals with the information they need to proceed with their investigations while sparing victims the additional trauma of repeatedly telling their stories. In 2023, Mission Kids conducted 609 forensic interviews.family Advocacy services: these services provide a compassionate and knowledgeable advocate who assists the Child and their family in navigating the legal and social systems. Advocates offer information, resources, and emotional support, ensuring that the Child's voice is heard and their rights are protected, empowering them to move towards healing and justice. Advocates connect clients with vital resources, including crisis stabilization, domestic violence protection, medical and mental health services, housing, and food.external affairs: Mission Kids is committed to making a significant impact on the field of Child abuse prevention, intervention, and treatment through research, public policy, and thought leadership. Through research, we gain valuable insights that inform evidence-based practices and interventions, ensuring the effectiveness of our initiatives. Collaborating with, learning from and consulting for state, national, and international partners allows Mission Kids to continuously reassess, hone, implement and teach the most effective team responses for children and families. Mission Kids firmly believes that respecting and learning from other cultures and strengthening ties to the global community is critical to improving outcomes at home and abroad.child abuse prevention, education and community outreach: Child abuse prevention education is of paramount importance as it equips individuals and communities with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize, prevent, and respond to Child abuse. By raising awareness about the signs and consequences of abuse. Education empowers people to take action and protect vulnerable children. In 2023, Mission Kids reached 15,622 individuals, including 12,592 children aged 4-18 as well as professional responders who require ongoing training for the continued success of our important work. Mission Kids' subject matter experts provide statewide, regional, and national training for medical, law enforcement, Child protective services, and prosecutors involved in the Child abuse response. These evidence-based trainings cover topics relating to Child abuse, including Child sexual abuse, physical abuse, commercial sexual exploitation of children, implicit and explicit bias, trauma and neglect, and the effects of Child and domestic abuse on children.