Children’s Trust is the only statewide organization focused on preventing child abuse and neglect in South Carolina. We lead and support a network that shares our belief that all children should thrive, live in secure families, and be surrounded by supportive communities.
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As a statewide leader, we seek large-scale transformation that benefits children and families
As an intermediary organization, we work alongside our partner and stakeholders in communities across the state
As an advocate for children, we know there cannot be wide scale impact without systems-level change
Children thrive when families are strong. Families are strong when communities wrap love and support around them. You can help a family in your neighborhood, volunteer at local community organizations, advocate for prevention-friendly policies, or make a donation.
Last year there were 15,980 1 children in founded investigations of child maltreatment.
1. S.C. Department of Social Services, state fiscal year 2020-2021.
And it lasts long after the danger and hurt have passed. Adverse childhood experiences create toxic stress that can impede normal growth and development. Treating the negative health and social outcomes can be staggering.
We focus on two-generation strategies, working with extended families to break entrenched cycles of abuse. When we get parents to find the resilience where they can navigate tough times, we bring about lasting change for children through safety and stability at home.
We can’t expect better outcomes if we keep doing the same thing. We need new solutions – grounded in research and fueled by collaboration – that focus on sustainable programs to reduce child abuse and neglect in our state.
South Carolina spends approximately $1 billion annually in direct and indirect expenses associated with treatment of child abuse and neglect. Dedicated prevention resources, which are much less costly, would yield a tremendous return on the investment.
Children need all of us working together.
Kyleigh Lamb became pregnant in her junior year of high school and had to drop out to help support herself and her infant son. However, she discovered a lifeline in Nurse-Family Partnership, a home visiting program model that provides ongoing home visits from nurses to low-income, first-time moms, who receive the care and support they need to have a healthy pregnancy as well as gain skills and learn about resources related to child health and development, early education, and home safety.
Two years later, she completed the program while also rebounding to receive her high school degree, begin college classes and hold a job. Her young son benefitted physically, socially and emotionally through those two years of guidance from their nurse home visitor.
The evidence-based Strengthening Families Program (SFP) is administered by Children’s Trust with local partners in over half of South Carolina’s counties. It focuses on caretakers with children ages 6 to 11, and over the course of 14 weekly sessions, families learn how to develop positive discipline practices, stay resilient in tough times, improve communications skills, and assist children with social skills, relationships, and school performance.
All of these factors play an important role in keeping families strong while protecting against potential abuse or neglect. This video shares the perspectives of parents and children who have completed the program and what it has meant to their families.
