A local nonprofit now offers trauma-focused counseling to abused children and their families.
Michelle O'Neill reports the Children's Advocacy Center in Rock Island serves as a safe place for interviewing children once, to prevent trauma from repeatedly having to tell police and others about what happened.
Marcy O'Brien, Executive Director, says previously, the center gave families referrals for counseling. But there's a long waiting list. And not enough trauma-focused counselors practice in this area.
Several recent grants have allowed the Children's Advocacy Center to hire Family Counseling and Psychology and hold appointments at the center.
O'Brien says the kids and their parents are familiar with, and very comfortable at, the center which is located in a big house.
The grants came from the Rock Island County Mental Health Board, the Doris and Victor Day Foundation, and others. The Children's Advocacy Center serves around 200 clients per year.
Donations may be made directly or through the United Way. A "wish list" of needed items is online HERE.
