Kids Intervention and Diagnostic Service Center
October 2017
A Critical Component to a Family’s Healing by Gabrielle Allender, LCSW, Family Support Supervisor Children and youth who come to KIDS Center for a child abuse evaluation have often experienced trauma – and they and their families are in a state of crisis. Research shows that having professional support during a time of crisis is beneficial to parents throughout their family’s journey of healing. Our Family Support Specialists serve as advocates for these families by reducing their fears and uncertainty about their experience, and assisting them in navigating the multiple systems that are often unfamiliar to them.
The Family Support Program at KIDS Center began in 2009 and has since improved and expanded the services available to families in Deschutes, Jefferson and Crook counties. Additional staff and resources have allowed our Family Support Program to meet the needs of an increased number of children and families affected by abuse, including Spanish speaking families. As an accredited Child Abuse Intervention Center (CAIC), KIDS Center follows the National Children’s Alliance Standards, holding KIDS Center accountable for all services provided to families and the community. The National Children’s Alliance Standards outline the responsibilities of our Family Support Team, which include the completion of specialized training in victim advocacy and on-going education in the field of child maltreatment.
kidscenter.org
Each family’s response to trauma is unique. The role of a Family Support Specialist includes building rapport with the parents and identifying and responding to the individual needs of each family. Families receive emotional support, crisis management, direct connections to community and treatment resources, and ongoing education and information. Family Support also serves as a resource to community members and agencies, offering these same resources to those who call KIDS Center for support. A Family Support Specialist remains a constant resource to a family and often has the most contact with parents following their visit to KIDS Center. For this reason, they play a critical role in informing parents how utilizing community resources and services can directly influence their child’s healing. KIDS Center works closely with many community agencies in the tri-county region. These partnerships are vital in building a network of care for families including direct connections with housing and basic needs, referrals to trauma focused and trained therapists, and access to health insurance and long-term medical care. As a CAIC, KIDS Center has the responsibility to provide immediate and long term support to families of children who have experienced abuse. Our Family Support Specialists are a dedicated team that works passionately with families to help meet their basic needs as well as provide hope and encouragement on their journey of healing. To learn more about our Family Support Program and about a client’s first visit, go to kidscenter.org.
“Thank you so much-I honestly don’t know what I would do without the support of KIDS Center. It is very comforting to know that you will be with me through this difficult time." -Mom of a KIDS Center client
541.383.5958