The Child Center, Inc., is a child advocacy center (CAC) serving children and families in Northeast Missouri. A comprehensive, coordinated approach is taken in response to allegations of child sexual and physical abuse occurring in our 14 county service area. The primary goal of The Child Center, Inc., is to ensure that children disclosing abuse are not further victimized by the intervention systems designed to protect them. Services offered include Forensic Interviews, Child & Family Advocacy, Therapeutic Services, and Prevention Education Programs.
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Services Offered
Children's Services
Child & Family Advocacy Advocacy services are designed to help reduce trauma for the child and involved caregiver and to be an on-going support for the child and family. Children and families participate in follow-up services which may include referrals for community support, assistance with navigating the criminal justice system, and crisis intervention services.
Therapeutic Services Therapeutic Services allow children to process their experience in a safe, supportive environment. Children participate in individualized interventions designed to reduce the harmful effects of the trauma they have experienced. While working with their therapist, children develop healthy coping skills, gain self-confidence, learn to understand and effectively express emotions, and are able to identify and draw on their own strengths to leave them better equipped to handle life's challenges.
Prevention Education The Child Center Inc. offers prevention education programs for children, parents, and professionals in the community. The school programs are created for children beginning Pre-K through Middle School, and include topics such as Body Safety, Internet Safety/Online Enticement, and Sexual Harassment. The primary focus of our programs are to educate children about appropriate boundaries and empower victims to disclose abuse to safe and trusted adults.
Fees and Payment
This is a not for profit child advocacy agency.
Services Offered To: Adults Teens Children
Special Groups: Bilingual
Payment: Pro-bono
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A community counseling agency is a group therapy practice that offers affordable mental health services. Most are independent non-profit agencies, state agencies, or publicly-funded agencies. A few may restrict who is eligible for services, so it is a good idea to check when you call.
Community counseling agencies are generally more affordable than other therapy providers, but how much more affordable they are will depend on whether you qualify for a discount or sliding scale fee (or if they accept your insurance). Many, but not all, have a policy that they won't turn away anyone due to inability to pay. You should ask about their fees when you first call.
Expect to talk to kind people who want to help you find the care you need. Most community agencies strive to connect you with a live person within 24 hours, if not immediately. If you're asked to hold or leave a message, don't give up; just leave a message and wait. You should hear back pretty quickly.
Most agencies try to set up an initial assessment appointment within a week (some do within 24 hours), though the waitlist to start therapy is usually longer—about a few weeks on average. If you're not eligible or if the agency is not right for you, it's usually still worth it to call or drop in, because staff are knowledgeable about local options and can often refer you to one.