Child Protection Center Awarded Grant for Therapy

December 17, 2021 – Sarasota

The Child Protection Center, Inc. (CPC) has received a $5,000 grant supporting the increased need of mental health services for children suffering from child abuse in North Port. This funding has been generously provided by the continued support of the Heron Creek Community Foundation.

CPC’s Therapy Program provides individual, family, and group therapy services to children and families experiencing traumas of physical abuse, sexual abuse, and/or problematic sexual behaviors by children. Through effective trauma treatment, we restore the health, development, relationships, and the safety of children and families. CPC’s Therapy Program is the only provider in Sarasota County with specialized focus on child physical and sexual abuse and is widely regarded for its therapists’ expertise, having previously received the highest clinical monitoring score in the entire state of Florida and presented at conferences such as Krimes Against Kids and the American Counseling Association National Conference.

In its recent fiscal year, CPC provided 3,458 hours of therapy, an increase of 11% over the previous year. Despite this substantial increase in services, a waiting list of verified victims of child abuse grew to over 70 children while the Child Protection Team reported that suicidal ideation reached a 10-year high among the children seeking treatment. “CPC aims to close the gap and to treat an even greater number of clients in order to help break the cycle of abuse as soon as possible,” said Doug Staley, the nonprofit’s Executive Director. “The support from the Heron Creek Community Foundation will help enable the Therapy Program to serve 55 clients who reside in North Port.”

The Child Protection Center’s mission is the Prevention, Intervention, & Treatment of Child Abuse, as the organization envisions a community where children are safe from abuse and free to thrive. For over 40 years, CPC has been serving Sarasota and DeSoto Counties in the State of Florida, and is accredited by the National Children’s Alliance.

For more information on CPC, visit www.cpcsarasota.org or call 941-365-1277.