The Center for Prevention of Abuse Welcomes Back “Safe From the Start” Program

$121,500 one-year grant provides services for young children
exposed to violence at home or in the community

The Center for Prevention of Abuse recently welcomed back Safe from the Start, a program that provides services for young children ages 0-5 years old who have been exposed to violence at home or in the community. The Center received a one-year grant from the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority for $121,500.

Safe from the Start was initiated at The Center in 2001, but went on hiatus in 2016 due to the lack of funds from the state. The recent passing of the state budget allows for the reintroduction of this program and allows The Center to provide vital services for a vulnerable population.

“We are thrilled to bring back this important program and provide crucial services for children in our community,” said Carol Merna, Executive Director of The Center for Prevention of Abuse. “Young children are exposed to many types of violence every day, including in school, at home, on the television, and even in their neighborhoods. We are proud to offer free and confidential services to help children and their families understand and cope.”

There are currently nine sites in the state of Illinois that offer Safe from the Start, mostly in the Chicago area. Services include child and family therapy, comprehensive case management, confidential consultation for professionals, and professional trainings.

“This grant allows us to continue expanding our services and to meet the evolving needs of our community,” said Sara Dillefeld, Director of Domestic Violence Family Centered Services. “Exposure to violence can have both short term and lasting impacts, so it’s important that we intervene and reach these children at a young age.”

To learn more about Safe from the Start or to make an appointment with a counselor, please contact The Center for Prevention of Abuse, 309-691-0551.