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Grant will support work of Kosair Charities Child Advocacy Center, HANDS home visitation program

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (July 8, 2015) – The WHAS Crusade for Children has awarded a $40,000 grant to Family & Children’s Place, to help the agency combat child violence, abuse and neglect and to help victims and their families move from hurting to healing.

Specifically, funds will support the agency’s HANDS family visitation program, and provide medical and mental health care at the Kosair Charities Child Advocacy Center (KCCAC).

HANDS pairs new parents with skilled mentors who teach them  parenting and behavioral skills that stimulate development to give their baby the best possible start in life. The KCCAC is the only comprehensive intervention and treatment center in the Greater Louisville area for children and families impacted by sexual abuse.

The center houses the Crimes Against Children Unit of Metro Police, Child Protective Services, a Commonwealth’s Attorney office, physicians from the University of Louisville School of Medicine and Family & Children’s Place counselors who prevent and prosecute child abuse and help child survivors and families heal.

“HANDS provides in home visitation for first time parents with risk factors that are known to impact healthy child outcomes,” said Pam Darnall, president and CEO of Family & Children’s Place. “This grant helps provide in-home intervention where we can positively affect a child and family’s development and health.

“Additionally, the grant will help ensure compassionate, personalized evaluation, medical care and treatment for children who may have been sexually abused,” she added.

Last year, the KCCAC helped more than 1,300 children, 23 percent with special needs.  The grant will support a specially trained pediatrician and medical assistant, and a mental health counselor who will assess each child’s ability to undergo a physical exam, and provide therapeutic intervention to prevent further trauma.

“The WHAS Crusade for Children is a great friend to Family & Children’s Place,” said JT Henderson, the agency’s vice president of Resource Development. “This grant supports two critical elements of our work – helping  children who have been sexually abused and giving babies the best start possible.

“As a father of an infant, I know the importance of early childhood care and development. HANDS helps new or expectant parents provide a safe, healthy and happy home, and equips them to make smart, sound decisions for themselves and their baby.”

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About Family & Children’s Place
Family & Children’s Place protects Kentuckiana children, families and communities from abuse, neglect and exploitation, and helps move them from hurting to healing.  We serve nearly 5,000 children and families annually through trauma-informed and impact-evident services.  For more information about Family and Children’s Place, visit www.famchildplace.org or call 502-893-3900.