Facility aims to streamline care for abused children, reduce trauma during investigations
A new child advocacy center designed to support children and families in the aftermath of abuse will officially open Thursday afternoon in Plymouth Meeting.
Mission Kids will unveil its new facility at 521 Plymouth Road during a program beginning at 4 p.m., marking the final day of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The nonprofit has served Montgomery County for more than 15 years and is expanding into a larger, state-of-the-art center to meet growing demand for services.
The new center brings together medical care, forensic interviews, therapy and legal support under one roof, a model intended to reduce the trauma children often face when recounting abuse multiple times to different agencies. Through partnerships with law enforcement, the courts, medical providers including Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and social service professionals, the goal is to create a coordinated, child-focused response.
Mission Kids, a nationally accredited nonprofit, served more than 2,500 clients last year, including 618 forensic interviews. Officials said the expanded space will allow the organization to continue that work while also providing training for professionals who respond to child abuse cases.
Thursday’s event is expected to draw more than 250 attendees and will feature a display of 1,198 blue pinwheels, symbolizing each child served by the organization over the past year.
Family members impacted by the organization’s services are also expected to speak about their experiences and the role Mission Kids played in supporting them through crisis.
