Responding to violence that often follows online transactions via sites such as Craigslist or KSL.com, communities are setting up “E-commerce safe exchange zones,” places that provide enhanced safety to buyers and sellers as they exchange items for cash or trade. Seeing some success, many are also moving to create similar zones for custody exchange of children, a very bad idea we hope doesn’t become a trend. Custody exchanges of children, especially in cases of divorced or separated parents where there has been domestic violence or child abuse, can be volatile and dangerous. It’s imperative in these cases that precautions – […]

A very Happy Birthday to board Chair Steve Gutermuth, chair and managing director of Green Square Capital, and thanks for your leadership as we continue to work for happy, healthy children and families, freed from abuse.

A family came in today for a forensic interview at the New Albany office of Family & Children’s Place.  Our administrative staff quickly realized the parents were upset and had some questions. They came to the team to see if someone could speak with the parents. In many instances a family advocate can handle this, but often, due to other circumstances, one may not be available to do so. Such was the case today, so a therapist and supervisor quickly talked and decided the supervisor would speak with the parents. In talking to the parents and answering their questions about […]

Halloween is just around the corner, a time for kids to choose just the right costume for trick-or-treating. While fun and scoring as much candy as possible are the ultimate fright night goals, it’s good to keep child safety in mind. Here are some tips from the Centers for Disease Control to ensure the safest spooky night possible: S – swords, knives and other costume accessories should be short, soft and flexible. A — avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult. F – Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see your child. […]

Learn about the impacts of trauma on brain development in children at the third annual Community Shield Violence Prevention Conference. The conference, sponsored by Kosair Charities, the Face It Movement and Metro United Way, is 8 a.m. to noon Thursday, Oct. 29, at the Crowne Plaza Louisville, 830 Phillips Lane. Dr. Barbara Burns, a development psychologist and professor of Liberal Studies (pre-teaching and child studies) at Santa Clara (Calif.) University, is keynote speaker for this year’s event. Community Shield is committed to reducing the impacts of violence on children and was formerly known as Children Exposed to Violence Collective Impact […]

Nearly every day children visit the Kosair Charities Child Advocacy Center. There for a forensic interview, medical examination or a visit with a family advocate, therapist or other member of the resident multidisciplinary child protective team stemming from an alleged incident of abuse – physical or sexual. Along with the stress of the alleged incident, the child faces anxiety over telling his or her story – revealing potentially painful details, along with dealing with his or her own feelings – guilt, shame, hurt, anger and others. Family & Children’s Place takes every effort to provide best in class, trauma-informed care […]