Program areas at The Child Center
Our agency responds to Child abuse through comprehensive wraparound services. Specially trained forensic interviewers conduct fact-finding conversations with children using non-leading questions to gather details about The abuse. Advocacy staff offer crisis intervention, education, and ongoing support to both The Child and caregiver throughout The case. Licensed therapists, skilled in evidence-based methods, provide trauma-informed therapy to foster emotional resilience and promote long-term healing and recovery. In 2023, our agency provided forensic interviews for 1,142 children, Advocacy services for 1,714 parents and caregivers, and mental health therapy for 308 individuals.
Our agency offers prevention education for children, caregivers, and professionals. Programs for elementary and middle school students cover topics like body safety, internet safety, online enticement, and sexual harassment, using interactive and age-appropriate methods. High school programs address issues such as grooming, sexual abuse, exploitation, healthy relationships, boundaries, sex trafficking, harassment, sexting, and assault. Parent programs include a five-step process to educate on Child sexual abuse and online safety. Mandated reporter training equips professionals with The knowledge and legal responsibilities to respond to Child abuse disclosures in Missouri. In 2023, our agency provided Child abuse prevention programs to 51,562 children and parent or mandated reporter training to 4,293 adults.