The Clinical Department at SafePath Children’s Advocacy Center provides services to children ages 3 through 17 years old (available for children younger than 3 when indicated or determined appropriate) who have been sexually abused, physically abused, and/or neglected.  Our services are focused on alleviating the effects of trauma and abuse for our child clients and their families.  Specific evidence based treatment approaches are utilized to meet acute crisis needs, as well as the more pervasive effects of abuse and neglect.  Through support and education the caregivers are prepared to provide optimal care and attention to their children.

Our clients, the children we serve and their caregivers are provided knowledge and skills related to processing the trauma; managing distressing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors; and enhancing safety, parenting skills, and family communication.

In addition to individual therapy, the Clinical Department also provides a number of specialized services to meet the needs of our clients, the children we serve and their caregivers.

Individual support and education is provided to the child’s caregiver.  The therapist providing treatment to the child also meets with the parent or caregiver to ensure coordination of the therapy efforts.  The caregiver is given vital information and support while the therapist receives updates and monitoring of the child’s functioning.

SafePath is committed to meeting the needs of the child and his or her family. Working with siblings and caregivers is critical to initiate change and promote healing.  Family therapy is conducted at periodic intervals as prescribed by the individual client’s treatment plan.

Caregivers are encouraged to attend a 10-week group which provides education on abuse issues, safety and prevention skills, parenting skills, stress management and coping. Each session has specific objectives, goals, and materials.

SafePath clinicians are available for crisis intervention in the event a child or family member is experiencing an acute crisis.  The goals for crisis intervention are to provide stabilization; help identify, and diffuse feelings; help identify coping strategies, strengths, resources, and a support system; and help the client develop alternative methods to express feelings and cope.