Kristi House, Inc.

Kristi House, Inc. is a nonprofit organization founded in 1995 as a response to the critical need for specialized services for child victims of sexual abuse in Miami-Dade County. It was organized by community advocates in 1994 and established as a not-for-profit organization the following year.

Mission and Objectives

Kristi House is dedicated to treating and preventing child sexual abuse, trafficking, and other childhood trauma. It works closely with community partners to provide integrated solutions for families navigating the complex services involved in the healing process. The organization coordinates legal, medical, and social services needs for child victims, ensuring that all emotional, physical, and legal needs are met during the recovery process.

Services and Programs

Kristi House provides free services to child victims and their families, which include advocacy, therapy, and prevention education. The organization operates as a Children's Advocacy Center, working with a multidisciplinary team consisting of medical staff, guardians, social service investigators, police, prosecutors, therapists, and case workers. This team meets regularly to discuss individual cases, ensuring that no child falls through the gaps in the system.

Notable Achievements and Recognition

Kristi House was the first Child Advocacy Center in Florida and among the first in the country to address child sex trafficking. It played a key role in authoring Florida's Safe Harbor Act, which became law in 2013. The organization is also a leader in the National Child Traumatic Stress Network and has received significant federal funding to address child trauma.

Fiscal Structure and Funding

Kristi House is recognized as a 501(c)3 charitable organization, with donations being tax-deductible. The organization relies heavily on contributions from individuals, corporations, and private foundations, as public funding covers only a portion of the costs. In recent years, contributions have accounted for a significant majority of its total revenue.

Accreditation and Leadership

Kristi House has been accredited by the National Children's Alliance since 2000 and by the Council on Accreditation since 2004. It has an exemplary track record for fiscal management and stewardship, with independent audits showing no corrective actions needed over several years. The organization has served over 18,750 children and their non-offending family members since its inception and has delivered education and training programs to more than 120,000 individuals.