Children & Teens
The mission of Rose Brooks Center is to break the cycle of domestic violence. That’s why we spend so much of our time and resources with children and teens. A child who witnesses violence is four times more likely to be violent or a victim of violence as an adult.
Through our therapy with children living in shelter or through the innovative violence prevention program, Project SAFE, Rose Brooks Center is investing in the safe future of Kansas City for the next generation.
Children In Shelter:
Whether they witnessed violence at home or experienced it first-hand, children walk into Rose Brooks Center with an altered sense of self and a distorted perception of family life. They come to the shelter to escape, but they find much more than a refuge. They find a staff of counselors experienced in helping children recover and reconnect with their mother and siblings.
While it can be difficult for young survivors to express themselves verbally, our Children’s Center counselors use a variety of creative techniques that give children the opportunity to communicate in their own way. Because play is the natural language of a child, that’s the modality of therapy provided. In fact, it’s a combination of art and play often called “theraplay,” and it varies widely depending on the interests and abilities of the children involved. Sometimes the activities are directed by the therapist; other times a child takes the lead.
Along with therapy, children at Rose Brooks Center Shelter receive full case management services. Whether it’s getting to and from school, obtaining medical care or scheduling time to take college entrance exams, Rose Brooks Center is here to help children find their way.
Rose Brooks Center In Schools:
The mission of Rose Brooks Center is to break the cycle of violence, and prevention is our top priority. Through the innovation of Project SAFE, children and teens dealing with violence in their school, neighborhood or home get counseling at school. They build the confidence and self-esteem they need to progress through school, and receive the support needed to plan for their future. At the same time, Project SAFE works to integrate a violence prevention curriculum into Jackson County schools, with the goal of helping children of all ages learn to make positive life choices and develop healthy relationships.
In addition to the violence prevention curriculum, Project SAFE provides prevention training for educators, who learn to understand the effects of violence on children, including how to identify at-risk youth and connect them to the support services they may need.
While prevention is key, Rose Brooks Center is equally committed to helping children already experiencing violence at home. Project SAFE prevention specialists conduct weekly group sessions in schools. Licensed therapists meet one-on-one with children requiring a greater level of personal support.
:: Download the Teachers Guide
Request a Project SAFE Prevention Specialist
