Concurrent issues of a pandemic, which is bringing increased mental health challenges, and the shortage of trained counseling professionals is putting rising strain on the systems designed to help victims of child abuse. In response, the Child Protection Center, Inc. (CPC) is expanding staff as well as the organization’s operations in order to meet the increased need as the waitlist of verified victims of child abuse has grown to more than 70. A $175,000 grant from Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation will assist the organization to bring on more staff to lower wait times.

The Child Protection Center’s mission is the prevention, intervention, and treatment of child abuse, which is carried out through four core programs: Personal Safety and Community Awareness Program (PSCA), Child Protection Team (CPT), Children and Families Supervised Visitation Program (CFSVP), and Therapy Programs (consisting of the Sexual Abuse Treatment Program and the Kid Kindness Program). Each of these programs require highly trained and specialized staff, in addition to a thorough and effective administrative team. Last year alone, CPC’s therapists provided 3,458 hours of therapy and the Child Protection Team conducted 298 medical examinations to assess signs of abuse and neglect. The Child Protection Center envisions a community where children are safe from abuse and free to thrive. For over 40 years, CPC has been serving Sarasota and DeSoto Counties in the State of Florida, and is accredited by the National Children’s Alliance.  

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