Safe Shores - The DC Children's Advocacy Center

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.