Bexar County’s Children’s Advocacy Center, ChildSafe, was recently awarded a $14,000 grant from the Texas Bar Foundation in support of the non-profit’s expanded care coordination and related services for child victims of sexual exploitation, which includes a 24-hour drop in-center with dispatch services.
This is especially relevant, as the FBI released the following statement related to child abuse and exploitation amid the coronavirus: "Due to school closings as a result of COVID-19, children will potentially have an increased online presence and/or be in a position that puts them at an inadvertent risk. Due to this newly developing environment, the FBI is seeking to warn parents, educators, caregivers, and children about the dangers of online sexual exploitation and signs of child abuse."
ChildSafe plays a significant role in coordinating evidence-based services for child victims of sexual abuse and exploitation by employing a unique model where a Multi-disciplinary Team (MDT) of professionals work together to ensure child perpetrators are brought to justice, children and families are safe, and victims receive specialized treatment to heal from violence and abuse.
“With the support of The Texas Bar Foundation, ChildSafe continues to create and provide innovative trauma-informed care programs that address the needs of children who have experienced violence and sexual exploitation,” said Kim Abernethy, ChildSafe President & CEO.
Since its inception in 1965, the Texas Bar Foundation has awarded more than $21 million in grants to law-related programs. Supported by members of the State Bar of Texas, the Texas Bar Foundation is the nation's largest charitably-funded bar foundation.
ChildSafe is Bexar County’s most advanced trauma-focused care center, providing crisis intervention, case management services, counseling, and advanced therapy to aid in the healing of child victims of sexual abuse and exploitation, physical abuse and neglect.
For more information about ChildSafe, please visit www.childsafe-sa.org or call (210) 675-9000.