Kids House of Seminole, Inc.

Type: Nonprofit organization
Purpose: Children's Advocacy Center
Founded: July 1999
Tax ID (EIN): 59-3415005

Overview

Kids House of Seminole, Inc., also known as the Wayne Densch Children's Advocacy Center, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing coordinated services for child abuse victims and their families. The center aims to prevent child abuse by offering a safe and child-friendly environment where all aspects of a child abuse case can be managed, from initial report to investigation, treatment, and resolution.

History

Established in July 1999, Kids House was formed to address the fragmented and ineffective system for handling child abuse cases in Seminole County. By bringing together law enforcement, medical professionals, child protection services, and other agencies under one roof, the organization streamlines the process, reducing the distress and trauma experienced by child victims.

Services

Kids House offers a comprehensive array of services, including:

• Forensic Interviews: Trained interviewers conduct sensitive interviews to gather crucial information without re-traumatizing the child.
• Forensic Medical Exams: Conducted in child-friendly exam rooms to ensure medical needs are met while gathering evidence.
• Child Advocacy Services: Child Advocates provide crisis intervention and support throughout the investigation process.
• Trauma Therapy: Utilizing methods like creative arts and play therapy, this program helps children heal from the emotional impacts of abuse.
• Child Protection Team (CPT): Assesses risk factors and recommends interventions to create safer environments for children.
• Professional Trainings: Offers community training on child abuse and neglect topics for various professionals.
• Child Abuse Prevention Services: Includes parenting classes to equip parents with tools to strengthen families and prevent abuse.

Mission and Vision

Mission: To prevent child abuse and provide support to victims and their families by coordinating services in a safe and supportive environment. Vision: To break the cycle of violence and end child abuse forever.

Governance and Leadership

Kids House operates with a board of directors from diverse backgrounds, including community leaders, business professionals, and experts in child welfare. The organization is led by a skilled leadership team dedicated to the mission of aiding child abuse victims.

Impact

Since its inception, Kids House has served thousands of children, with significant numbers served in recent years. The center's approach has been effective in reducing the revictimization of child abuse victims by minimizing the need for repeated statements and examinations.

[1] https://www.kidshouse.org/about-us [2] https://www.kidshouse.org [3] https://www.mightycause.com/organization/Kids-House-Of-Seminole [4] https://www.guidestar.org/profile/59-3415005 [5] https://www.kidshouse.org/programs-services