Our Mission is Kids
Mission Kids Child Advocacy Center is changing the way kids rise above the darkness of child abuse.
Our work empowers kids to reclaim their light and shine bright again. We do this through prevention, education, public policy, and a multidisciplinary investigative approach.
Triumph Over Trauma
We help children and their families heal from child abuse.
Imagine reliving the worst day of your life on loop. Now imagine you’re eight years old.
That’s the reality for many child abuse survivors. In the pursuit of prosecution, survivors repeatedly relive their trauma in interviews at hospitals, police departments, and the courtroom.Â
Each time they recount their story, healing gets harder and willingness to testify weakens.Â
At Mission Kids, our multidisciplinary approach reduces the number of times a kid has to recount their trauma and gives every child a chance to reclaim their childhood.
History
Our work began with the story of one child.
The origin of Mission Kids Child Advocacy Center stems from one child: Sasha Joseph Neulinger.Â
In 2004, our founders Risa Vetri Ferman and Laurie O’Conner witnessed his fight firsthand.Â
As an adult, Sasha would express that the pain caused by the criminal justice process was worse than the abuse itself.
As First Assistant District Attorney of Montgomery County and director of the Office of Children and Youth (OCY), Risa and Laurie were all too familiar with the issues surrounding child abuse investigations.Â
They decided there had to be a kid-centric solution that could help both kids and their caregivers heal.
Our History
Incorporation
Multidisciplinary Team Created
Board of Directors
Doors Open
First Year
CAC Accreditation
Mission Kids Moves
CEO Position
On-Site Trauma Therapy
Prevention Education
Satellite Office
Promoting Safe Behaviors
Making a Difference: By the Numbers
Meet the people behind the passion.
Mission Kids’ staff, led by visionary leaders and comprised of experienced local professionals, is trained to handle complex and emotional cases with care.
Learn about other services available through Mission Kids
Forensic Interviews
Collaborative Services
Family Advocacy
Medical Services
Mental Health Services
