Children staying at Women’s Advocates arrive with their caregivers who are escaping domestic violence. Children who have experienced trauma require healing. We help provide healing by creating positive transitions, establishing predictability, honoring child-choice, facilitating age appropriate healing and emotional expression, supporting their caregivers, building on their strengths, and collaborating to build trust. Our experienced and caring Children’s Program staff work in collaboration with Women’s Program team members to ensure both the victim/survivors and children have the tools to be safe and well both now and in the future.
Sheila Wellstone Children’s Program
Children's Advocacy and Safety Planning
Children’s Program staff work with each child and their caregiver at the shelter to nurture each child’s development as the family plans for a stable and peaceful future through discussions about what safety means to each child and parent.
We also conduct an intake assessment with each of the victim/survivors who arrive with children. This assessment gives us a foundation for goal setting for each child and parent.
Drop-in Child Care
We provide child care for residents while they attend support groups, meet with their advocate, or attend job or housing interviews. Located in the shelter, victim/survivors can ensure that their children are well cared for while they attend groups, meetings, or appointments during their stay.