From the CEO: Hope for Each Child “ It will be challenging in many ways but through your continual support and prayers we will continue to succeed for the children under our care. ”
C
told that the abuse is their fault and begin to accept this. Children believe they are unlovable and that there must be something inherently wrong with them. Often children believe there isn’t a God or if He does exist He must not love them. Of course all of these lessons are false, but our children believe that they are a certainty. Unlearning these lessons and learning new ones can be a difficult process for them.
Here are some statistics about child abuse in America:
There is no simple solution or a one-size-fits-all approach. Care requires a multi-pronged approach. Here are ways we are fighting to give hope for each child:
Jim Swinkola, CEO hild abuse is a difficult issue for individuals to talk about. It is not because people do not care but because most of us care for children passionately. It is difficult to hear such horrid stories of abuse which are often accompanied by a feeling of “nothing can be done about it.”
• A report of child abuse is made every 10 seconds. • The total number of child abuse reports has increased 49% since 1986. • An increase in child abuse, (mostly in infants) is linked with the recent recession, in new research that raises fresh concerns about the impact of the nation’s economic woes. • The long-term effects are equally devastating; abused children are much more likely to repeat the cycle of abuse and abuse their own children, and/or become involved in the juvenile justice system, or not complete high school and have a mental health illness. Abuse teaches children many horrible lessons. They are often 2
• Continuum of Care: It is a term used to describe an array of services provided in various locations across NC to allow us to meet the evolving needs of our children. Our Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTF) on the Banner Elk campus provide our most intensive care. In addition, there are lower levels of residential care on the campus. Our six regional offices serve many children in foster care and adoption services. • Treatment: While every program provides a treatment plan, it is up to staff to provide an effective plan supported by evidence. Our staff has the
necessary expertise and just as important, time to meet each child’s specific needs. • Opportunities for growth and new skills: By providing opportunities for children to learn and heal, we show them they are loved and important. We strive to develop areas where they can gain a sense of accomplishment. Spiritual growth is encouraged through attending local churches, bible study, motivational speakers and most importantly, Godly mentors and staff who invest in their lives. • Continuous improvement: Through tracking outcomes and program planning, we are able to continually assess the strength of programs and services to improve them. I believe we will reach an alltime census high in the next several weeks--meaning we will serve more than 315 children per day. We have been blessed with the opportunity to serve more children than we ever have in our history. It will be challenging in many ways but through your continual support and prayers we will continue to succeed for the children under our care.
What is your hope for each child? Join me in helping hurting children heal and thrive.