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Media contact: Cara Scarola Hansen
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561-632-6747
Addressing Children’s Mental Health by Leading the Fight Against ACEs and Building Resilience
In recognition of May as Mental Health Awareness Month, Center for Child Counseling (CFCC) is raising awareness of infant and early childhood mental health in an effort to lead the fight against adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Children are not born with resilience. It is produced through the interaction of biological systems and protective factors in the social environment.The active ingredients in building resilience are supportive relationships with parents, teachers, caregivers, and other adults in the community.
CFCC’s Childcare and Community Social-Emotional Wellness (CCSEW) Program focuses on prevention, early intervention, and treatment for young children. Developing the capacity of adults through workshops and consultation in our community to meet the social-emotional needs of young children is an essential part of this program. CFCC’s team of CCSEW therapists are co-located in 30 childcare centers, elementary schools, and shelters throughout Palm Beach County.
CFCC focuses on the youngest children because research shows that this period of life (prenatal to age 6) provides the foundation for health and learning throughout the lifespan.
Through CCSEW, an array of interventions are provided–individual and family therapy, parent and teacher workshops, and mental health consultation. Services are co-located, with our therapists and interns working as a part of the fabric of the school and community to meet the therapeutic needs of children and their families.
Current partners include: YWCA Child Development Center, Opportunity Early Learning Center, Florence Fuller Child Development Centers, Achievement Centers for Children and Families, Lutheran Services Palm Beach County, Urban Youth Impact, the School District of Palm Beach County and AVDA.
CCSEW has won two prestigious awards, including the Blue Foundation’s Sapphire Award and the National Easter Seals Award of Excellence for programming in early childhood mental health.
Since 1999, Center for Child Counseling has been building the foundation for playful, healthful, and hopeful living for children and families in Palm Beach County. Its services focus on preventing and healing the effects of adverse experiences and toxic stress on children, promoting resiliency and healthy family, school, and community relationships.
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