Children's Services
For as long as SafePlace has been helping women who have experienced violence, it has been helping children who witnessed or experienced violence in their own lives. Since the first shelter was built to house families in 1978, SafePlace has created new ways to care for children and teens living in shelter, including a school, daycare and after-school programs. This can provide parents with a sense of safety about where their children are and allows youths to continue their education and be cared for in a safe environment.
Children who witness or experience violence in their homes struggle socially and academically. Leaving the sense of comfort and community which their neighborhood and school friends bring can be a traumatic experience; even when they are leaving an abusive home. Accredited teachers and children’s services staff, specifically trained to work with children coming from abusive homes, are aware of the trauma these children have faced and respond appropriately.
The Stockton-Hicks Family Tree Child Development Center
In an effort to ensure that survivors have access to childcare that keeps their families safe, the Stockton-Hicks Family Tree Child Development Center (CDC) was specifically developed with the needs of young children who have witnessed or experienced violence in their lives. By providing a safe and developmentally stimulating environment for children (ages three months to five years) who live in the Family Shelter or Supportive Housing community, the CDC can focus on consistency of activities, discipline and social development.
The University of Texas-University Charter School, George M. Kozmetsky Campus
The University of Texas-University Charter School, George M. Kozmetsky Campus provides three specific support systems for children living in the shelter as their family begins rebuilding their lives. Children from abusive homes face additional challenges at school; instability at home can impact their approach to social and educational environments.
As a student first enters the school, they are assessed to determine individual academic progress in order to continue their education at the appropriate level. When they leave, the parent is provided with the information needed to enroll their child in their new school.
Children’s Activities
This program provides specifically designed art, athletic and team activities, field trips and tutoring to children whose parents are receiving services at SafePlace. The program also provides therapeutic support groups for youth who accompany their parents to group counseling, youth who have observed violence in their homes, and survivors of dating or relationship violence. In addition, program staff develop and provide information to parents on non-violent healthy discipline and child-friendly problem resolution strategies.
The activities and groups are developed for specific age groups, and address peaceful play, enhance communication skills, meet children’s daily need for physical activity, and are a means through which healthy adult behaviors are modeled. Services are provided throughout the year, in the afternoon and evening when school is in session, and full-day when school is not in session.