A Word From U.S. Congressman,
Kevin Brady
Congressional Record,
In Honor Of Twenty Years Of Service By Children’s Safe Harbor September 21, 2018
Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize the Children’s Safe Harbor for their twenty years of service to the communities of Montgomery, San Jacinto, and Walker counties.
The Montgomery County Children’s Advocacy Center, Inc., also known as Children’s Safe Harbor (CSH), was established over two decades ago to address child abuse. Specifically, CSH cares for children between the ages of two and seventeen who have suffered sexual abuse, physical abuse and trauma. Since this important organization opened its doors on August 31, 1998, it has provided a safe place for children where they can be heard, helped and healed.
From the beginning, CSH’s principle mission has been to provide a supportive, safe environment for children while enhancing the coordination between criminal investigations and the monitoring of child abuse cases. Instead of children unnecessarily accessing multiple law enforcement agencies and child protection systems to seek healing and justice, CSH utilizes a multi-disciplinary, team-oriented approach to successfully coordinate effective, efficient, and child-centered casework. This method allows CSH to offer victimized children the care they need while also ensuring that the evidence necessary for prosecution is gathered effectively and mental health resources for children and non-offending family members are coordinated through completion of care.
First founded in Montgomery County, CSH has since expanded its operations and is now a multi-county resource for children and families. In its first few months, approximately 23 children were referred to the organization. Now, the average number of cases assisted by CSH totals over 200 a month. Though the increase in requests for help brought forth new challenges, CSH met them head-on. CSH’s hard work and selfless service has helped 14,369 vulnerable children seeking the healing and justice they deserve—a truly incredible accomplishment.
In 1993, I joined my fellow CSH board members and signed a charter application to initiate this life-changing nonprofit organization. It is amazing to see the miracles this organization has accomplished since its founding, and I am proud to recognize CSH for the crucial work it has done in our community over the past twenty years.
To the staff, volunteers, and community leaders, such as my close friend Executive Director Victoria Constance, Ph.D. who have worked tirelessly to make CSH the life-changing organization it is today—thank you. Without your dedication, CSH would not be able to change the lives of the thousands of children who have sought help from your organization. You are all champions of social justice, and it is my honor to congratulate you all on twenty years of devoted service.