Children's Programs

The Center’s children’s program provides therapeutic and case management services to children who have been directly or indirectly affected by sexual assault and domestic violence.  The program uses an innovative approach to working with the child victims of domestic violence through the therapeutic preschool modality targeting our youngest, and often most vulnerable, victims to provide early intervention and prevention services.

Counseling for domestic violence and/or sexual assault
	Individual
	Group
	Family
Parenting
Prevention Education Programs
Therapeutic Incredible Years Preschool Program
Child Care
Advocacy
Interagency Representation
Tutoring
Information and Referral

Children’s Programs

Therapeutic “Incredible Years” Preschool Program

The Gulf Coast Women’s Center for Nonviolence’s Therapeutic Preschool is designed for children ages 3-5 years who have been exposed to violence and / or sexual abuse or who are at risk for exposure to violence due to substance abuse in the home.  The preschool utilizes the “Incredible Years” curriculum which is research-based, proven effective programs for reducing children’s aggression and behavior problems and increasing social competence at home and at school.  Additionally, preschoolers are prepared for kindergarten with a regular Pre-K curriculum.  Violence and drug prevention education is provided to the preschoolers as is individual, group, and family counseling.  The Therapeutic Preschool operates year round, five days a week and accepts community referrals for enrollment.  There is no charge for this service.

Counseling Services

The Gulf Coast Women’s Center for Nonviolence Children’s Program provides individual, group, and family counseling to children and adolescents who have been exposed to domestic violence, who have been sexually assaulted or abused, and to children at risk for abuse due to substance abuse in the home.  In addition to providing counseling services at the Gulf Coast Women’s Center for Nonviolence, a Children’s Outreach Counselor travels to the other counties in the Gulf Coast Women’s Center for nonviolence service area and meets children, adolescents, and families at convenient locations such as their homes or schools. 

Parenting

Parenting classes are provided by the Gulf Coast Women’s Center for Nonviolence.  Parents are provided information and skills to best address their children’s needs.  Parenting classes are free and open to referrals from the community.

Violence Prevention and Drug Abuse Prevention Education

The Gulf Coast Women’s Center for Nonviolence Children’s Program provides violence prevention and drug abuse prevention educational programs not only to the children residing in our shelter and enrolled in our preschool but to area schools, health fairs, and community events.  We believe by educating children and the community how to stop the intergenerational cycle of violence and drug abuse that the cycle of abuse can end for our families and our communities.

Community Outreach

The Gulf Coast Women’s Center for Nonviolence Children’s Program provides specialized educational programs for professionals in the community working with children and adolescents who may be at risk for violence by sponsoring an annual Children’s Conference and hosting interagency workshops.

Page last updated:  05/20/2008