The need for child advocates throughout the United States is overwhelming. Over 1,000,000 children are abused each year and the cost to society directly and indirectly is over $94 billion. CARE House opened its doors in 1998 in response to the growing need for child advocates in Montgomery County, Ohio. In 2006, CARE House served over 600 of the worst child abuse and neglect cases in and around Montgomery County. The majority of children that visit CARE House are between the ages of 6 and 12 years old and approximately 85% of the cases that CARE House handles are sexual abuse cases. The mission of CARE House is to "provide a team response to child abuse through prevention, intervention, and advocacy and ensure that children are not further traumatized by the very system designed to protect them."
Not surprisingly, CARE House is designed with children in mind; an actual home (as opposed to a cold police department or intimidating court room), CARE House is filled with brightly colored rooms, an inviting warm atmosphere, and even a playroom. CARE House takes pride in its efforts to continue each child's healing process through therapy and on-going treatment.
The staff of CARE House is comprised of individuals from the Children's Medical Center of Dayton, Dayton Police Department, Montgomery County Department of Job and Family Services, Montgomery County Sheriff's Office and the Montgomery County Prosecutors' Office. The Montgomery County Prosecutor's office and Dayton Police Department actually employ full-time attorneys and detectives, respectively, whose offices are located in CARE House. Such strong community partnership further ensures the success of CARE House and its child clients.
Notwithstanding its vigorous, self-imposed standards, CARE House is an accredited member of the National Children's Alliance (NCA). NCA was formed in response to the growing number of children's advocacy centers around the United States and the demand for guidance, training, and standards of practice. The NCA sets forth the basic standards by which CARE House is organized and insures CARE House continues to meet and exceed the standards through their re-accreditation process. Through regional advocacy centers, the NCA provides support and guidance to developing and existing advocacy centers throughout the country. Although it is primarily a reactive center, CARE House is also focused on education, training and prevention. Providing CARE House with additional funds will enable the organization to continue servicing children in the area. [1]