Did you know that one in 14 children in Tulsa County will be involved in a child abuse or neglect investigation? Oklahoma has one of the highest rates of child abuse in the country. The average child experiences some form of sexual abuse before the age of 18.
The long-term effects of child abuse and adverse childhood experiences are daunting, lead into adulthood and include psychological health issues causing depression, post-traumatic stress, and heightened anxiety, unusual brain development, poor relationship skills such as aggression, inability to maintain friendships and risk behaviors including alcoholism and early sexual behavior.
Studies show that 27% of Tulsa families with children live in poverty which can increase the likelihood of maltreatment, particularly when poverty is combined with other risk factors like depression, substance use, and social isolation etc.
Family & Children’s Services is the place to turn for help if a child has been hurt by any type of abuse or trauma. We offer hope and recovery for children and their families. Girls and boys are cared for at Family & Children’s Services in a healing, child-friendly environment specifically designed for children who have experienced trauma.
Our Child Abuse and Trauma (CATS) services help children overcome a wide range of problems — from mild to severe — that can develop following a traumatic event, including outbursts of anger or aggression, changes in appetite or sleep, depression or sadness, poor self-image, sexualized behaviors, irritability, anxiety or fears and more.
We use evidence-based trauma treatments proven to be the most effective in restoring children’s functioning and well-being following sexual abuse or other traumatic events.
Our highly compassionate staff helps children heal from abuse and traumatic events through a variety of best-practice programs. Family members, foster parents and other caregivers can be included in the therapy process. Visit our website to learn more. www.fcsok.org
References:
Child Welfare League of America
Tulsa World
Tulsa Child Protection Coalition
