Domestic Violence Hotline and Chat
The Domestic Violence Hotline is a 24/7 Multilingual service for people who are experiencing domestic violence. Callers talk with a degreed, trained advocate about their unique situation. The hotline counselors are trained to respond to crisis situations, safety plan and to refer to a variety of community services. Many callers find relief simply by connecting with the hotline counselor. The hotline call sometimes leads to entering one of the domestic violence shelters.
The CHILD, Inc. anonymous Live Chat feature is available on the right side of the screen, click on the green circle with the conversation bubble.
Supervised Exchange for Off-Site Visitation and Monitored Onsite Visitation
Family Visitation Centers
A variety of family situations necessitate the use of the visitation centers including intimate partner violence, a history of difficulties surrounding child visitation or exchange, parental substance use or lack of suitable visitation space, among others. Services include on-site multi family group supervised visits, monitored exchange or individually supervised visits. The two centers, in Wilmington and Newark are equipped with trained staff, video cameras, and other safety features. Prior to starting visitation or exchange, each adult party must participate in an individual orientation. Children may take part in child orientations or a series of orientations to help them learn about the center and increase their comfort. The centers make every effort to provide services at a reasonable cost.
Community Health Advocates (CHA)
CHILD, Inc. recognizes domestic violence as a public health issue, with victims of domestic violence experiencing significantly higher utilization and healthcare costs even after the abuse stops. Victims and survivors have specific and extensive healthcare needs that are not currently being met by the traditional service model.
We believe that the partnership between healthcare professionals and domestic violence advocates is crucial to increasing access to services, which will positively affect the care and treatment of chronic medical issues often seen in victims of domestic violence.
Victim Services
Martha’s Carriage House is a 25-bed emergency shelter providing refuge for women and children experiencing domestic violence, recognizing the impact of abuse on children. Counselor/Advocates assist with legal complexities, aiming to empower survivors through counseling for both women and children. Support groups, advocacy, and education on domestic violence are also provided. Similarly, Sarah’s House offers 18 beds and focuses on independence, providing resources for employment, housing, and safety planning.
CHILD, Inc.’s Domestic Violence Advocacy Program helps victims navigate the Family Court system for protection from abusive partners, offering referrals and support during hearings. Advocacy services are available in all three counties: New Castle, Kent, and Sussex. Therapy services for individuals in abusive relationships are offered in Northern New Castle County, focusing on safety and stability. Southern & Western New Castle County also provides domestic violence therapy at various sites, including counseling for affected children. Support groups for survivors meet weekly. For assistance, individuals can contact the provided hotlines and resources.
Parenting Education Classes
Our Children Come Without Instructions class series provides practical, relevant information in a supportive learning environment. Participants learn strategies and develop skills designed to increase confidence and make parenting more effective & rewarding.
These free interactive classes incorporate a variety of teaching modalities designed to encourage active participation by all attendees; lecture, class discussions, handouts, breakout sessions, small group activities, videos & new skill practice/ rehearsal.
Our curriculum is researched based, evidenced informed and incorporates the protective factors identified by U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Children’s Bureau, as essential components of effective parenting programs.
Family Court Required Parenting Education Seminars
Children First provides counseling services to families involved in divorce, separation, custody and visitation issues.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us at (302) 762-8989.
Separation/ Divorce Seminar
This 6-hour certified separation/divorce seminar entitled “Children Cope with Parental Separation” seminar fulfills the Delaware State Law requiring parenting education for parents/caregivers petitioning Family Court for Separation, Divorce, Custody, and/or Visitation issues. This seminar provides important information for families in transition, focusing on the best interest of the children.
No childcare is provided and no children are permitted at the class.
Sparrow Run Family Resource Center
The Sparrow Run Family Resource Center, located at 148 Flamingo Drive in the community of Sparrow Run, in the Newark area of New Castle County, has been providing wide ranging programs & services to the community and surrounding area since 1997. The Resource Center offers a central location from which important services and programs are provided for individuals residing in the community of Sparrow Run and along the Route 40 corridor. Programming offered includes: Food programs (i.e. the Free Summer Lunch Program for children and HOPE food clubs); Information and Referral Services; Counseling services; Project ASSIST; Parenting Classes; Case Management; computer access; and, a variety of other services.
Offender Intervention Services
The Domestic Violence Treatment Program provides structured counseling interventions for both men and women who have perpetrated acts of intimate partner abuse. The counseling interventions are certified by the Domestic Violence Coordinating Council and adhere to standards established by that organization. The counseling interventions are provided in both English and Spanish. A significant number of the participants have also been victims of abuse and violence within an intimate partner relationship. While participation within the services can be either voluntary or court mandated, the majority of participants have been referred as either criminal offenders or respondents of civil Protection From Abuse (PFA) proceedings.
The interventions help participants develop a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of violence and abuse, accept responsibility for their behavior, commit unconditionally to change abusive behavior and learn how to safely respond to abusive actions of others. The services employ a combination of support, encouragement and respectful confrontation in efforts to facilitate change.
Call for orientation dates.