Safe From the Start

The Safe from the Start Program supports childhood exposure to violence. The program develops and evaluates coordinated, community-based approaches for identifying and supporting children ages 0 to 5 who have experienced violence in their homes or communities.

The Safe from the Start Program was created to support childhood exposure to violence. The program develops and evaluates coordinated, community-based approaches for identifying and supporting children ages 0 to 5 who have experienced violence in their homes or communities. Key components of the program include building community partnerships, providing direct services to affected children and families, and promoting public awareness about the impacts of violence on young children.

Trauma or exposure to violence can occur when a child is:

- A first-hand victim of abuse, neglect, or maltreatment.

- A witness of physical, emotional, or sexual violence or another violent crime

- A witness to or victim of community violence, bullying or the loss of a loved one

Safe from the Start can help in the following ways:

-Assessments to identify the effects of violence on your child

- Therapeutic services for children, siblings, and non-offending caretakers

- Opportunities to learn more about age-appropriate behaviors, discipline and other helpful parenting skills

Disclaimer: Funding provided in whole or in part by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority. Points of view or opinions contained within this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the State of Illinois, or the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority.