AT-RISK CHILDREN WILL BENEFIT FROM SAN MANUEL BAND OF MISSION INDIANS GRANT

Mascot of the CAC, Mack, receives a hug

Children’s Fund has been awarded a $200,000 grant by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians to enable the San Bernardino County Children’s Assessment Center to provide  quality medical services to the County’s most vulnerable children- those who have been physically or sexually abused, or severely neglected.

The Children’s Assessment Center treats children ages 0-18, as well as developmentally delayed young adults, from every area of San Bernardino County who are suspected victims of abuse. Last year, 55% of the children seen at the Assessment Center were under the age of 5, signaling that a significant portion of the population served by this Center are very young and often cannot speak for themselves.  Last year, the Center treated approximately 1,400 children from our own communities.

“Children’s Fund is grateful that the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians cares so much for the health of our region’s abused and neglected children,” states Erin Phillips, President and CEO of Children’s Fund.  “As the fundraising partner for the Children’s Assessment Center, we work together to ensure that these services are available to children when they need them.  Research has shown that adverse childhood experiences, such as violence in the home, can have long-term, devastating effects on the health of a person throughout their lifetime.  This grant, from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, comes at a critical time when the need is great, and will help provide life-saving services.”  Children’s Fund was the proud recipient of the 2015 Yawa’ Award, presented by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians to non-profits that make a difference by acting on their beliefs, bringing hope to the communities they serve.

This investment by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, in partnership with Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital and the County of San Bernardino, will enhance the Center’s medical response to abuse and will ensure that these services go uninterrupted.  These exams assess injuries as well as capture evidence that assist in the evaluation of the child abuse allegation.  Additionally, at the child-friendly Center, youth are able to tell their story once, to all appropriate personnel, significantly reducing their trauma during the investigative process. Additional partners include Children & Family Services, Sheriff’s Department, District Attorney’s Office, Department of Behavioral Health, Department of Public Health, Police Chiefs Association, Children’s Network and Family Law Court Services.  This investment, along with the support of all of these agencies working together, will make a strong and lasting impact on the Center’s ability to serve our community.