More than 25,000 children with experiences of abuse and maltreatment have received care from the Audrey Hepburn Children’s House since it opened at Hackensack University Medical Center 22 years ago.
Made up of board-certified child-abuse pediatricians, psychologists, nurses and social workers, the team gives cohesive, comfortable and appropriate care to patients and families in physical examinations and therapy sessions, setting them apart from standard pediatricians or psychologists.
About 95 percent of cases are referred through the Division of Child Protection and Permanency, which covers the cost of treatment, says mental health director Dr. Brett Biller. Even after their cases close, the Children’s House continues to help clients, cost free.
[RELATED: Wynona’s House in Newark Empowers Community to Aid Abuse Survivors]
“Some kids are here for 6 to 12 weeks, some for over a year and a half. It really is up to the needs of the children and families,” Biller says.
Prevention is a big focus, too. The No Hit Zone program offers parent-coaching sessions that are supportive spaces for families to unlearn a history of physical discipline. Donations can be made online.
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