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. 

Each time they recount their story, healing gets harder and willingness to testify weakens. 

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.

The child is at the center of everything we do at Mission Kids.

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. 

In 2004, our founders Risa Vetri Ferman and Laurie O’Conner witnessed his fight firsthand. 

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. 

They decided there had to be a kid-centric solution that could help both kids and their caregivers heal.

Our History

April 2006
Incorporation
Mission Kids is incorporated as a nonprofit, “Child Advocacy Center of Montgomery County
April 2006
2006
Multidisciplinary Team Created
A multidisciplinary force is formed to investigate and prosecute child abuse cases while reducing additional trauma to kids.
2006
December 2007
Board of Directors
Board of Directors is formed, consisting of 18 members
December 2007
September 2009
Doors Open
Doors are opened in a donated 1,800 sq. ft. building with 1 full-time & 3 part-time employees and a budget of $350,000
September 2009
December 2010
First Year
298 children are served in Mission Kids' first full year of operation.
December 2010
August 2012
CAC Accreditation
Full National Accreditation is earned as a Child Advocacy Center from National Children’s Alliance.
August 2012
September 2017
Mission Kids Moves
Serving nearly 600 children per year, Mission Kids moved to 5,200 sq. ft. facility with 13 full- time employees and a budget of $1.2 million.
September 2017
January 2018
CEO Position
New position of CEO is created as Mission Kids launches its Global and External Affairs Dept.
January 2018
July 2018
On-Site Trauma Therapy
On-site trauma therapy for children and their families is provided through partnership with Creative Health Services.
July 2018
September 2019
Prevention Education
Prevention Education Dept. is launched to teach children in schools about body safety and empower them to speak out against abuse
September 2019
May 2022
Satellite Office
Satellite office is opened in Pottstown, PA to expand accessibility to healing and justice for victims of child abuse in western Montgomery County.
May 2022
June 2023
Promoting Safe Behaviors
"Promoting Safe Behaviors" Program is launched to serve youth with problematic sexualized behavior and their families
June 2023

Making a Difference: By the Numbers

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Forensic Interviews
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Court Hearing Prep & Support
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Mental Health Referrals
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Prevention Education Lessons
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Medical Referrals

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

When kids need to retell their abuse, Mission Kids’ child-centric interviews help build the strongest case while limiting additional trauma.

Collaborative Services

Uniting top prosecutors, detectives, social workers, pediatricians, and therapists, our multidisciplinary team keeps kids at the center of their investigation.

Family Advocacy

No family should go through a child abuse investigation alone. Mission Kids advocates make sure families are supported at every step.

Medical Services

In partnership with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Mission Kids can provide medical evaluation referrals to top pediatricians.

Mental Health Services

The trauma of child abuse is tricky. Mission Kids’s network connects kids to specialized providers who can guide them to a healthier headspace.

Prevention Education & Training

Mission Kids is a national leader in child abuse prevention for kids, caregivers, and professionals. Click to request a training for your organization.
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