FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMarch 2008
FRC’s Therapeutic Preschool Treats the Emotional Scars of Abuse
Tommy (name changed for confidentiality) came to Family Resource Center (FRC) at age four, the victim of physical abuse by his father. When his mother took him to the Emergency Room to treat a severely infected cut on his arm, doctors discovered he also had a fractured wrist and multiple bruises and scars covering his body. They notified authorities who took Tommy into state custody. He was placed with a caring foster family, who enrolled him in FRC’s Therapeutic Preschool/Day Treatment Program.
“Our Day Treatment staff worked daily with Tommy to help him overcome the trauma of the abuse he suffered,” says Greg Echele, Family Resource Center Executive Director. “Tommy thrived in the preschool and also in his new foster home. He actively participated in therapy sessions and regained his hunger for learning and playing.”
Meanwhile, Tommy’s mother separated from the father, whose violent outbursts were responsible for the child’s injuries, and began receiving Family Therapy and Parenting Education from FRC, with hopes of reuniting with her young son. In just ten months, Tommy graduated from FRC’s Therapeutic Preschool to a traditional preschool, and his Mom acquired new parenting skills. And six months later, the courts reunited Tommy and his mother as a family.
Children like Tommy, who experience abuse, neglect or other traumatic events, often have emotional, behavioral, and/or developmental problems that keep them from succeeding in traditional child care programs. FRC’s Therapeutic Preschool/Day Treatment Program provides, structure, stability, nurturing and behavior management to treat resulting problems like aggressive or self-destructive behavior, low self-esteem, speech delays, depression, anxiety or attachment disorders. Research shows that without intervention by age four, these kids will likely fail in school and face a lifetime of difficulties in education, home, and work situations.
Family Resource Center offers a comprehensive curriculum of programs to prevent and treat the effects of child abuse and neglect. Programs like Therapeutic Preschool rely on support from private donors who provide cash gifts, as well as vital in-kind items such as preschool-age-appropriate books, clothing and interactive toys and puzzles that build motor skills and encourage creative thinking. Donations to help children like Tommy can be made by visiting the organization’s Web site
www.frcmo.org or by calling 314-534-9350.
About Family Resource CenterFamily Resource Center, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, is one of Missouri's largest family counseling agencies dedicated to preventing and treating child abuse and neglect. Established in 1974, the accredited agency has served more than 100,000 St. Louis-area children and family members. In 2007, FRC served nearly 10,000 children and parents-strengthening families through family-centered therapeutic, educational, mentoring and support services. Additionally Family Resource Center offers consultation and training for social service professionals who work with families and children.