Child Abuse Takes Many Forms· Non-accidental mistreatment of a child
· Physical abuse
· Emotional abuse
· Sexual abuse
· Substance abuse
· Neglect
· Endangerment
· Abduction
· Domestic/family violence
· School and community violence
Consequences of Child Abuse
Child maltreatment is an extremely serious social problem, with high costs and severe lifelong consequences for children and families. The annual monetary costs are $103.8 billion, at minimum, for child welfare, health care, and out-of-home care. Other related costs, such as emergency room treatment, special education and family preservation, increase this figure significantly.
Children who are abused or neglected are at a higher risk for a number of interrelated social problems (which have enormous monetary and social costs).
What is the “CHAT” Program?
Child Abuse Treatment (CHAT) services for child victims of abuse, traumatized children and their non-offending family members include:
· Therapeutic services for long-term healing and recovery
· Case management services to help families link up with community resources and support
· Effective child abuse prevention, intervention and treatment programs through partnerships created among local non-profit and social service agencies, schools, law enforcement, the District Attorney’s office, medical providers, and the faith and business communities
Who is Eligible?
· Child victims of abuse, neglect, abduction and parental substance abuse
· Child victims of domestic, family, school and community violence
· Child and teen victims age 3 to 17
· Non-offending family members
· All child victims regardless of gender, race, color, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or disability (provided program requirements and funding guidelines are met)
CHAT Services & Resources
Counseling
· Counseling services for long term healing and recovery
· A range of child-focused counseling techniques sensitive to the child’s emotional state, developmental level, language and cognitive skills
· Counseling services for non-offending family members
· Community-based locations in San Luis Obispo, South County and North-Coastal areas
· Services available at some school sites
· Counseling: (805) 473-6507
Child-Centered Services
· Case management
· Advocacy for the child through coordination of community resources and support
· Responsive to individual and family needs
· Identification, building, strengthening and coordinating a network of support for the child and family
· Working with other child welfare agencies to share skills, talents and resources to prevent child abuse
Other Services
· Spanish and bilingual/bicultural services
· No cost to client for services; all services are provided free
· Integrated counseling and child-centered services
· Community education on child abuse prevention
· Volunteer opportunities are available
· LGBTQI
Community Resources for Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment
· Child Welfare Services (CWS)- 24hrs: (805) 781-KIDS
(To report emergencies and suspected cases of child abuse and neglect)
· HOTLINE of SLO County: 800-549-4499
(Referrals, crisis intervention)
· Mental Health Services (24 hrs): (800) 838-1381
(Crisis emergencies services)
· Sexual Assault Recovery and Prevention Center (SARP): (800) 656-HOPE
(Crisis intervention and counseling for survivors of sexual assault)
· Victim Witness Assistance Center: (866) 718-5821
(Of SLO County District Attorney Office)
· Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA): (805) 541-6542
(Volunteer advocates to work with child abuse victims under jurisdiction of juvenile court)
· Child Abuse Prevention: (805) 543-6216
(Community coordination in the identification, treatment and prevention of child abuse)
