Helping the Helpless: Alliance for Children

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Alliance for Children LogoWhat happens when children are hurt and abused by their caregivers, the people they are supposed to be able to trust most in this world? Where can families turn for support and guidance when their child has been harmed in some way? Who strives to protect the innocent and help families cope? 

Alliance for Children is working on behalf of these children. Founded in 1992, Alliance for Children continues to be the only children’s advocacy center in Tarrant County and was one of the first programs of its kind to be started in Texas. Approximately 50,000 children have been helped in some way by this non-profit organization since its beginning 24 years ago. There are four centers within Tarrant County. 

The Mission

Sadly, children can and have experience hurt in multiple ways, such physical abuse, sexual abuse, or witnessing a violent crime. “Our main goal is to prevent child abuse from ever happening in the first place by providing free prevention education in the schools and youth serving organizations in Tarrant County,” said Kim Rocha, the public relations and marketing coordinator. Last year alone, Alliance for Children provided prevention education for more than 40,000 people.

The Work

Smiling group of peopleThe organization hires trained forensic interviewers to aid the investigative processes of the children’s cases. Alliance for Children has partners in law enforcement and child protective services who observe as the interviewer conducts a third party, unbiased interview of a child to uncover specific details about a child’s harmful circumstances. This way, the child only has to go through the interview process once.

In addition, the organization offers free counseling services to those children who have indeed encountered some form of abuse through the Family Advocate Program. Through this program, Alliance for Children also works with the families of the abused children to help meet their needs in some way. Law enforcement agencies and Child Protective Services refer cases to the organization. Please call 1-800-252-5400 if you suspect any sort of child abuse.

The Steps You Can Take

Alliance for Children always welcomes volunteers. You can find the steps to becoming a volunteer here. As a non-profit organization, it is grateful for donations at any value. You have the option of making a one-time, quarterly, or yearly donation on their website. At present, it needs donors to support the Thanksgiving Basket and Adopt-a-Child programs. bingo-174-002

Be on the lookout for the organization’s next event, the Let’s Play Bing Ladies Luncheon on February 11, 2017.
This event will have a champagne reception at lunch as well as a silent auction and bingo with prizes. Follow the link to become an event sponsor or underwriter or to buy your ticket.

You can keep up with Alliance for Children on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

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