Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center

Mission:
Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center is dedicated to healing, supporting, and seeking justice for victims of child abuse by coordinating and strengthening the community response and providing trauma-informed services to child victims and their non-offending caregivers.

Service Area

Safe Harbor is the only 501(c)(3) child advocacy center serving Planning District 16 and the eastern side of Orange County, Virginia. The center is accessible to residents of Louisa County and surrounding regions, including Spotsylvania, Stafford, Fredericksburg, and Caroline counties.

Services Provided

• Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Coordination:
• Facilitates a coordinated community response to child abuse and neglect cases, reducing trauma by minimizing the number of interviews and contacts a child must endure.
• Child Forensic Services:
• Provides specialized forensic interviews conducted by highly trained professionals to ensure children are heard in a safe, supportive environment.
• Mental Health Services:
• Offers trauma-informed mental health therapy for child victims and their non-offending caregivers, with recent expansions to include a dedicated mental health suite.
• Child and Family Advocacy:
• Supports children and their families throughout the investigation and healing process, ensuring access to resources and ongoing support.
• Community Education and Awareness:
• Increases awareness of child abuse and the importance of reporting through events and outreach, such as the SAVE JANE event in Virginia.

Who Is Served

• Child victims of alleged sexual or physical abuse and neglect
• Non-offending caregivers of these children
• Residents of Planning District 16, eastern Orange County, and surrounding areas, including Louisa County

Eligibility Requirements

• Services are available to children and non-offending caregivers involved in cases of alleged abuse or neglect within the service area.

Impact and Approach

Safe Harbor serves nearly 400 children each year, providing a centralized, child-focused environment that prioritizes healing and justice. The organization collaborates closely with law enforcement, social services, healthcare providers, and legal professionals to ensure a comprehensive, compassionate response to child abuse cases. The center's vision is to free children from the trauma of abuse in an environment of warmth, trust, and acceptance, enabling them to resume their childhood and thrive.