Safe Children, Safe Families...

A Crisis Intervention and Anti-Violence Education Program

Over the years, Old Mill has seen a disturbing increase in the number of children whose parents have mental health problems, criminal records, drug or alcohol issues, histories of domestic violence and other disturbing issues. The outcome has been a steady increase in early behavior problems in children, which has reinforced our belief that the most significant and long-term effects of prevention and intervention programs are achieved when the entire family is targeted for program services.

About 90% of children from these families exhibit social, emotional and behavioral problems as a result of observing domestic violence, being physically or sexually abused, being exposed to family chaos, parent drug and alcohol use, parental mental illness, poverty, death, divorce or other trauma. Without intervention, these children are at high risk for delinquency, violence, substance abuse and school failure.

As Old Mill continued to see increasing numbers of at risk children and families, it became obvious that violence was an underlying issue in many homes. Research evidences that abusive parents have often experienced abuse in their own childhood, and children raised in abusive environments are significantly more likely to become aggressive toward people in authority and towards peers. Eventually, they will likely become abusive parents themselves.

A study conducted by the Benton County Commission on Children and Families Developmental Assets Task Force revealed some very disturbing facts about Benton county youth: 1) the majority have underdeveloped and inadequate social and emotional skills; 2) only half reported they are able to resolve conflict non-violently; 3) less than half feel they can resist negative peer pressure; 4) only 45% say they possess sensitivity, friendship, and empathy skills. Social and emotional skills are the fundamental building blocks that lead to a child's social and academic success and a positive school experience. Without intervention, children are at risk because of their impulsive and aggressive behaviors. They are often rejected by their peers, underachieve or drop out of school, perform below their potential throughout their lives, become incarcerated for adult crimes, or become physically and/or sexually abusive as parents.

To address multiple issues rooted in violent behavior, and to restore safety and security to the lives of children and families, Old Mill implemented three critical crisis intervention and anti-violence programs under the umbrella of Safe Children, Safe Families. The three part program includes 1) Second Step: A Violence Prevention Curriculum; 2) Safe Families, therapeutic groups for families recovering from domestic violence; and 3) ChildSafe Sex Abuse Treatment for child victims of sex abuse and their non-offending parent.

Violent acts damage a child's mind, body and soul often for a lifetime. Home should be a place where family members feel safe and secure, where children are loved, and relationships are built on respect and understanding. For some, this is not true. When family violence occurs, this feeling of safety and security is shattered----breaking hearts and breaking families. Old Mill seeks to assist in supporting and nurturing safe children and safe families.

To access any of these programs for your children and family, please call 757-8068.