Children’s Center was founded in 1996 by a group of citizens concerned that children should not be interviewed over and over again about an abusive incident. At that time many children were interviewed in busy police departments or in their own homes where the abuse occurred. Medical exams were provided in emergency rooms where children waited for hours to get an exam. Prosecution rates were low and the number of unresolved cases was high. With the intent of solving these problems, this community group became the first board of directors of Children’s Center.
In October, 2009, Children’s Center opened a fourth child advocacy center in Butler, Missouri. Once again a dedicated group of community individuals and a strong multidisciplinary team, all wanting a better way to provide services for alleged child abuse victims and their families, made this center possible. Other Centers include Joplin, Monett and Nevada.
Children’s Center of SW MO has provided advocacy services to over 11,000 children since opening in 1997 in twelve southwest Missouri Counties. Services are available to all children regardless of religion, race, disability, national origin or ancestry and at no charge to the families.
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Jim Platt; Randy Kash Optimist President and Mike Hill[/caption]
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