Healing & Protecting Vulnerable Children

The Child Protection Center (CPC), located at 2940 Main Street in Kansas City, Missouri, provides vital services to children and families affected by abuse and trauma throughout Jackson County. CPC offers forensic interviews, family advocacy, and mental health services for victims of child abuse and their families, alongside specialized parenting interventions aimed at preventing physical abuse.

In addition to in-person services, CPC extends its reach through virtual mental health support, sexual abuse prevention training for professionals and community members, and consultation on policies and procedures to local organizations. CPC also leads a multidisciplinary community coalition focused on combating the commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC), further enhancing its role as a regional leader in child protection.

Longstanding Commitment To Child Abuse Intervention

For years, CPC’s forensic interview program, family advocacy, mental health services, and sexual abuse prevention initiatives have been supported by COMBAT funding. These essential programs guide victims on their path toward healing, providing a safe space where children’s voices are heard and families are supported.

Recent expansions include the 2023 launch of the evidence-based parenting intervention “ACT Raising Safe Kids,” which equips caregivers at risk for physical abuse with positive parenting tools. In 2024, CPC initiated a multidisciplinary coalition aimed at ending commercial sexual exploitation of children in the Greater Kansas City area.

Evidence-Based Parenting Support With ACT Raising Safe Kids

The ACT Raising Safe Kids program is designed to foster nurturing and nonviolent parenting practices that prevent child maltreatment. Geared toward families with children aged 0 to 10—including grandparents, foster parents, adoptive parents, and pregnant mothers—this program helps caregivers develop safe, stable, and loving environments for children.

Research demonstrates that ACT Raising Safe Kids increases positive parenting behaviors, reduces the use of physical punishment, and improves children’s behavior and emotional well-being. The program also contributes to reducing risks of mental health issues and substance use disorders by strengthening parent-child relationships, communication, and family resilience.

Stories from participants illustrate the program’s impact: a grandmother who previously relied on physical punishment chose to “put up” her belt after understanding its harm, while a father with a history of aggressive behavior learned alternative, peaceful conflict resolution methods and committed to positive change.

Forensic Interviews: Protecting Children’s Voices

CPC’s forensic interview program plays a crucial role in child protection by providing a safe, child-friendly environment where children can share their experiences of abuse. These interviews help minimize trauma by reducing the need for children to repeatedly recount their stories and provide legally sound evidence that supports investigations and prosecutions.

In 2025, CPC anticipates serving approximately 720 children through forensic interviews, helping ensure that their voices are heard while protecting their emotional well-being.

Family Advocacy & Mental Health Services

Beyond forensic interviews, CPC’s Family Advocacy Program supports non-offending caregivers by guiding them through the legal system, offering crisis intervention, scheduling medical and mental health services, and providing education about related issues such as domestic violence and substance abuse prevention.

CPC’s mental health services offer short- and long-term therapy designed to address trauma-related symptoms and support healing. Therapists create safe spaces for families to develop coping strategies, improve communication, and strengthen family bonds. For example, one child who experienced sexual abuse found relief and improved functioning in school and at home after receiving trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy alongside her parents.

Addressing The Complexities Of Commercial Sexual Exploitation

The CPC’s leadership in combating commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) reflects a critical need in the community. Missouri ranks third in the nation for human trafficking cases, and many children are vulnerable to exploitation due to a lack of community awareness and training.

Since January 2024, CPC has spearheaded a multidisciplinary coalition involving law enforcement, healthcare providers, social service agencies, and advocacy groups to improve responses to CSEC. The coalition identifies service gaps, develops training materials, and works toward statewide policy improvements to better protect children from trafficking and exploitation.

Responding To A Community in Need

Child abuse and neglect remain significant challenges in Jackson County. In 2023 alone, nearly 9,000 cases involving children were reported to the Missouri Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline from Jackson and surrounding counties. Many children seen at CPC have endured multiple traumatic events, including physical and sexual abuse, domestic violence, and exposure to community violence.

Traumatic experiences during childhood can have lasting effects on brain development, behavior, and emotional health, often leading to challenges in school, relationships, and later life. Without early intervention, these effects can increase the risk of substance abuse, criminal behavior, and chronic health problems.

Serving Families Facing Socioeconomic Challenges

Poverty is a major risk factor for child maltreatment, and many families served by CPC live with limited resources. In 2023, nearly 60% of families accessing CPC services reported annual incomes below $46,000, and many face additional barriers such as transportation difficulties, ongoing trauma, and lack of social support.

CPC is committed to removing these barriers by providing free, accessible services and closely monitoring referrals to ensure families receive timely and appropriate care.

A Vital Component Of Child Protection

Every day, CPC serves an average of five children and their caregivers, helping them begin the journey from trauma to healing. Through its comprehensive forensic, advocacy, mental health, and prevention programs, CPC stands as a beacon of hope and support for vulnerable children and families in Jackson County.

Locations

Click on the window icon (upper right corner) of the map below to expand. List of all program locations is included with expanded view of map. Locations are also listed on this page below the map.