PARTNERING FOR PREVENTION:
Family Dynamics Resource Center Partners With CalOES and One SAFE Place in New Child-Focused Program
Redding, CA (October 13, 2016) – Evidence shows that when children are exposed to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), they experience neurological changes that effect their overall well-being. Left untreated, children who experience trauma are likely to develop chronic health problems, have a higher likelihood that they will use drugs, and enter into unsafe relationships.
Family Dynamics Resource Center has partnered with the California Office of Emergency Services to bring the Child Abuse Treatment (CHAT) grant program to Shasta County and combat the effects of trauma in youth. By providing free therapeutic counseling and advocacy to child, teens, and their non-offending family members who are victims of abuse, trauma, or neglect, this program aims to reach potential clients who have not traditionally been able to receive services due to a lack of insurance funding, transportation, or an inability to find a therapist.
“The goal of CHAT is to help children learn new ways of managing their own behavior. When children receive counseling, they often learn positive coping, have improved relationships with family and peers, and are more likely to be successful in life. These free services offer children a chance to recover and hope for a positive future,” said Sandra Wilson, Psy. D. and Executive Director of Family Dynamics Resource Center.
The CHAT program is a highly collaborative effort, with many local and county-wide agencies available to aid and advocate for victims of abuse and their families. Services are available at the Family Dynamics Resource Center and with community partner One SAFE Place. Both organizations are dedicated to providing support to children and adults who have experienced trauma and abuse, helping to break the cycle of generational abuse and effectively preventing future violence.
“Children often suffer in silence because they lack important skills that promote resilience, which is an important key to developing healthy social and emotional wellbeing,” said Angela Jones, Interim Executive Director for One SAFE Place, adding, “Trauma informed care programs like CHAT help children build the skills that can help them excel through life.”
The CHAT Program at Family Dynamics Resource Center is supported with federal Victims of Crime Act (VoCA) Grant Program funds and is managed by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), Criminal Justice/Emergency Management and Victim Services Branch, Children’s Unit.
To learn more about qualifications for CHAT services and/or to schedule an appointment, fill out a request for CHAT services at www.familydynamics.info. Services can also be accessed through One SAFE Place at their Sierra Center location at 2250 Benton Dr. in Redding, or by phone 24-hours a day at (530) 244-SAFE.
About Family Dynamics
The mission of Family Dynamics Resource Center is to reduce incidences of child maltreatment through positive parent education and interventions and to help strengthen the bonds between parents and children. This goal is accomplished through individual, couples, group, and marriage and family counseling, screening for immediate family needs and risk factors, and treatment for trauma and mental illness. Family Dynamics Resource Center also provides relationship education, parenting classes and hosts low cost family activities to help educate and initiate “easy to do” and fun activities for kids. For more information about Family Dynamics Resource Center, visit www.familydynamics.info.
About One SAFE Place
The mission of One SAFE Place is to provide intervention and safety to a community affected by domestic and sexual abuse, working toward our ultimate vision of a Shasta County free of domestic and sexual abuse for all. One SAFE Place offers prevention education, emergency shelter, and co-locates a variety of advocacy services through a multi-disciplinary team of partnering professionals, offering help for victims of all forms of family violence, child abuse, and elder abuse. To learn more about One SAFE Place, visit www.OSPshasta.org.
One SAFE Place Contact: Emily Westphal,
Director of Prevention and Children’s Services
Phone: (530) 244-4767 x 211
E-Mail: emilyw@ospshasta.org
FDRC Contact: Jennifer Crowell
CHAT Intake Specialist
Phone: (530) 242-9007
E-Mail: jcrowell.fdrc@gmail.com