No one can erase the pain of child abuse, but Safe Shores knows that with timely and appropriate intervention, hope and healing are possible. Its child-friendly approach ensures that traumatized children have a safe and welcoming place, that their needs are placed first and their voices are heard in criminal investigations. It provides a compassionate, comprehensive approach to child victims, conducting forensic interviews and evaluations for partner agencies (including the Police Department and Child Protective Services), providing a playroom (and supervision) for kids awaiting interviews, new clothes and toiletries, meals, and funds for emergency needs. Safe Shores' model, deemed a "best practice" by the US Department of Justice and the American Bar Association, also includes training for partner agencies and volunteers, prevention training for adults, and mental health assessment and treatment. Because no child should go through this alone.
COVID-19 Update:
For the safety of clients, staff, and volunteers, Safe Shores has continued to provide all services remotely – forensic interviews (called tele-forensic interviews), clinical services with patient-facing work using a tele-health platform, and intakes and crisis support through continued advocacy.
Headquarters: DC-Ward 6
Where They Operate: DC-Citywide
Age Groups Served: Infants (0-2); Pre-K (3-4); Youth (5-11); Pre-teen/teen (12-17)
Ethnic Groups Served: African American; Caucasian; Latino/Hispanic
Awards & Recognition
n/a
Press
- Voice of America News
Sat Jun 23 2012, Voice of America
Executive Director Michele Booth Cole gives commentary on Sandusky verdict.
- "In Session"
Fri Jun 15 2012, TRUtv
Executive Director Michele Booth Cole's commentary on Sandusky trial.
- Sandusky, Horace Mann, Manassas & sexual abuse: Has the culture changed enough?
Tue Jun 12 2012, www.washingtonpost.com
Safe Shores and The Center for Alexandria's Children call for immediate action to end child sexual abuse.
- Child Sex Abuse Prevention Training Safe Shores training DPR staff on preventing child sex abuse
Tue Jun 5 2012, NBC Washington
- A sleepover nightmare: How can we keep our children safe?
Fri May 4 2012, www.washingtonpost.com
Budget (FY2013)
- $3 million or higher
- The current budget for Safe Shores - The DC Children's Advocacy Center is: $1 million to $3 million
- $500k to $1 million
- Less than $500k
Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to
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