On August 5, Child Safe of Central Missouri celebrated its long-awaited Groundbreaking Ceremony of its future new center at 3307 West Main Street in Sedalia.
A news release says the new center has an estimated completion date of February 2021 and will be twice the size at 4,000 square feet, compared to its current location, which is 1800 square feet at 102 East 10th.
Child Safe provides a safe, child-friendly environment for victims of child abuse (sexual, physical, neglect, witness to domestic violence, witness to homicide, drug endangered) and their non-offending caregiver, where the child is protected, while the ability of investigators to meet their statutory mandates is enhanced.
Child Safe serves 11 counties which include: Benton, Carroll, Chariton, Henry, Johnson, Lafayette, Linn, Moniteau, Morgan, Pettis and Saline. Last year, it served 411 children who were victims of sexual abuse, severe physical abuse, exploitation; or witnessed domestic violence, homicide or other crimes.
Once the new center is completed, Child Safe will be able to provide additional services. The new child advocacy center will contain a welcoming reception area; two age-appropriate interview rooms; two forensic family waiting rooms; one therapy waiting room; two therapy rooms; a second entrance for Children’s Division and Law Enforcement; and private areas where children and their families can gather while they access the necessary services.
The additional space will help with the overlapping of families and aid in confidentiality and privacy. Child Safe therapy office will now be housed at the new center, instead of a separate location. The new center also will provide a reception area; a conference room for agency meetings; plus parking; and front entrance is off to the side for additional privacy. The new center will provide additional security and privacy for families and staff as well.
The services provided by Child Safe are available to cover over 60,000 children under the age of 18 in its 11-county service area. The average cost per child receiving services is $2,003.57. All of Child Safe services are provided free of charge.
Pictured are Mari Asbury, Executive Director (speaking), then Ken Weymouth, and Kevin and Josh Kroeger from KPIII Properties. (Photo courtesy of Child Safe)