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Clare* is 7 years old. Not long after the COVID-19 pandemic began, Clare’s world was turned upside down. Authorities had begun investigating a family member on suspicion of possessing child sex images and sexually abusing Clare.

Clare and her sisters were brought to Family & Children’s Place to be seen by the caring, compassionate, and highly-trained staff at our child advocacy centers. Our team conducted forensic interviews for use by law enforcement, connected Clare’s mom with legal and therapeutic resources, and ensured Clare, her sisters, and her mom would be safe while the investigation continued.

As they drove away from Family & Children’s Place, Clare kept asking her mom about her favorite part of the day. Clare’s mom just wanted to cry. It had been a grueling day – every mother’s worst nightmare. But Clare said it was her “best day ever.”

How could a child say such a thing?

Well, Clare and her sisters got to play with Emmie, our facility dog, throughout the day. They received stuffed animals for comfort and blankets when they needed to rest. They ate lunch, played with our staff, and even got to take home their Play-Doh – all at no cost to their family.

Our world-class child advocacy centers are front-line responders to more than 1,100 cases of suspected child abuse and neglect each year. In fact, we are the only organization in Louisville and Southern Indiana that coordinates the efforts of child protection staff, law enforcement professionals, prosecutors, medical experts, and mental health clinicians – all under one roof.

Our doors have remained open through the COVID-19 pandemic for Clare and dozens of children just like her.

“Thank you for making this day a more pleasant memory for them,” her mom told us.

That thanks belongs to you, friends.

*This name and certain details have been changed for privacy reasons. The child depicted in the photo is not a real client of Family & Children’s Place.