Kimberly's Center for Child Protection

Description

Our community working together to protect, serve, and advocate for Marion County's abused and neglected children.. Before the formation of Kimberly's Center for Child Protection the trauma of child abuse did not necessarily end after the disclosure. The child would be repeatedly interviewed and asked to share the painful details of the abuse in order to learn the facts and circumstances surrounding the situation. While well intentioned, the exhausting process could cause further emotional trauma to the child. In 1996, a task force of professionals and community leaders formed to consider a better, more sensitive way to respond to children who had been the victims of physical or sexual abuse. There individuals envisioned a place where hurting children would have a safe, child-friendly environment to talk about their abuse. Out of this commitment the Marion County Children's Advocacy Center, Kimberly's Cottage, was formed. Kimberly's Cottage is now known as Kimberly's Center for Child Protection. - Kimberly's is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. - Kimberly's relies on grants and community donations to provide this compassion response to child abuse. - Monetary and in-kind gifts, as well as volunteers are vital to the success of the mission. When a report of child abuse/neglect is reported to Law Enforcement or Deparment of Children and Families (DCF), the staff of Kimberly's Center Child Protection Team are then contacted, whenever appropriate, to provide