FRIENDS, Inc. provides specialized advocacy for children and teens ages 3–17 who have been impacted by domestic violence and/or sexual assault. We understand that violence affects the entire family, and children often carry questions, big emotions, and confusion that deserve compassionate support.
Our Children’s Advocate offers short-term, trauma-informed services designed to help youth feel safe, supported, and empowered as they begin healing. Through one-on-one advocacy, children and teens can:
- Talk about their feelings in a safe, supportive space
- Learn healthy coping skills and ways to manage big emotions
- Explore topics like healthy friendships, boundaries, and communication
- Develop safety plans and identify trusted adults
- Build confidence and strengthen resilience
How Advocacy is Different from Therapy
Children’s Advocacy is not therapy or mental health treatment. Our advocate does not provide diagnoses, court evaluations, or custody recommendations. Instead, we focus on emotional support, education, safety planning, and connecting families to additional long-term resources when needed.
Safety Planning with Youth
Our Youth Safety Plan is made just for kids and teens to help you understand what safety looks and feels like. It’s a simple guide where you can write down the things that warn you something isn’t right, the things that help you feel better, and the people you can go to when you need help or a break. You can also make a plan for how to stay safe at home, at school, and in your relationships. The goal is to help you feel prepared, supported, and confident… because you deserve to feel safe everywhere you go.
