Child Advocacy + Youth Services

kids cheering on top of a hill

At The Center for Family Justice, we want to help children who are being abused get away from the violence.

The Center for Family Justice is an accredited and award-winning Child Advocacy Center, working to protect and support children impacted by abuse. We also help youth deal with trauma through therapy and support.

We understand that the process of healing can take some time. To that end, we offer youth services through our Child Advocacy Center in addition to programming for children for as long as they need through our Pathways to HOPE and Camp HOME America-Bridgeport programs.

Child Advocacy Center:

 

CFJ has skilled clinicians who treat children and teens – and their parents and caregivers – who are impacted by the trauma caused by domestic and sexual abuse.

 

Our nationally-accredited Child Advocacy Center provides services to all clients free of charge in a setting that is safe and welcoming. Our clinicians can offer young clients intensive therapy during extended sessions, giving them as much time as they need to discuss their trauma.

One-on-one therapy is part of the support we offer to children and families who have experienced significant abuse, offering them the emotional tools they need to cope with what has happened to them.

CFJ’s Child Advocacy Center also coordinates the Multidisciplinary Team of Greater Bridgeport. The team, led by Chief Program Officer Kayte Cwikla-Masas, works collaboratively to address serious cases of child abuse in the region.

  • To advance and coordinate the prompt investigation and prosecution in suspected cases of child sexual abuse and severe physical abuse;
  • To reduce the trauma to child victims;
  • To ensure the protection of children.

  • The Center for Family Justice
  • The Attorney General’s Office
  • State’s Attorney’s Office for juvenile matters
  • Medical and mental health professionals
  • Local police departments
  • The Connecticut Department of Children and Families
  • Victim advocates

  • Cases are referred to MDT by representatives from the Department of Children and Families and/or the police;
  • If you have knowledge or suspicion that a child has been abused, please call the Department of Children and Families (800-842-2288) or your local police department;
  • If you have additional questions or need more information, call the MDT coordinator at 203-334-6154.

  • The Center provides both domestic violence and sexual assault services to children. Services provided in both English and Spanish include:
    • Referrals to other services that are specific to the child’s needs;
    • Advocacy with other agencies;
    • Age-appropriate safety planning;
    • Activity groups while adult caregivers are in session.

    Advocates also provide a model of healthy parenting skills and works with the mother to develop safety plans for her children. As needed, Advocates meet regularly with individual children to support them through this difficult time and provide them with information or education about living within a family experiencing violence.

As part of investigating a case where a child has been abused, we conduct forensic interviews with them to help local police do their work while we work to protect the child. We ensure the child feels as safe as possible as our staff takes a trauma-informed approach.

kids enjoying the lake, jumping in

Camp HOPE + Pathways to HOPE

 

The Elizabeth M. Pfriem Camp HOPE America-Bridgeport (and Pathways to HOPE) is New England’s first evidence-based summer camp and year-long engagement & mentoring program for young people whose lives have been adversely impacted by the trauma of domestic or sexual violence.

Since its inception in 2016, CFJ has been proud to bring this program,
at no cost to families, to over 330 of children and teens.