Business Details
42 Years
experience
Child Abuse Prevention & Support Services in Paducah KY
Founded in 1984, we pioneered child abuse prevention and victim support in Western Kentucky. Our organization provides specialized mental health counseling, court advocacy through the CASA program, and community education to address trauma and prevent abuse. With over four decades of experience, we combine trauma-focused therapies, volunteer-driven advocacy, and evidence-based prevention programs to serve children and families across 13 counties.Our multidisciplinary team includes licensed therapists, trained CASA volunteers, and community educators dedicated to creating safe environments for children. All services are delivered free of charge through grant funding and community donations, ensuring accessibility for all families in need.
Services
Counseling Services
CASA Program
Abuse Prevention Education
Trauma-Focused Therapy
Community Outreach
Volunteer Training
Parent Education
Caregiver Support Groups
School Presentations
Court Advocacy
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We have over 35 years of experience in child abuse prevention and victim support
- Our team includes licensed therapists and nationally accredited CASA volunteers
- We provide all services free of charge to families in need
- Our multidisciplinary approach combines counseling, advocacy, and prevention education
- We serve 13 counties across Western Kentucky with specialized trauma services
Associations and certifications
- National CASA Association
Services
Counseling Services
Specialized mental health therapy for child abuse victims using trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, and EMDR. Our licensed clinicians work with children and families to address trauma from physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. Services include individual sessions, family therapy, and canine-assisted therapy, all provided free of charge to residents in Western Kentucky.
CASA Program
Trained volunteers advocate for abused children in court proceedings across six Kentucky counties. CASA volunteers conduct case investigations, maintain regular contact with children, and provide court recommendations focused on each child's best interests. The program follows national accreditation standards while addressing local community needs through volunteer-driven advocacy.
Abuse Prevention Education
School-based prevention programs teach children body safety, cyber security, and respectful relationships. Our 'Totally Awesome Super Important You' curriculum reaches preschool through 6th-grade students through interactive presentations. The program trains educators and community organizations in abuse recognition and reporting while promoting safe environments for children.
Caregiver Support Groups
Monthly support groups for caregivers of abuse victims provide education and emotional support. Sessions help non-offending caregivers understand trauma effects, develop coping strategies, and support children's recovery. The program combines professional counseling with peer support to strengthen family resilience and promote healing.
Community Outreach
Community awareness initiatives educate businesses and organizations about child abuse prevention. We provide specialized training on abuse recognition and reporting while participating in local events to spread awareness. Our outreach team collaborates with schools, law enforcement, and social service agencies to build community networks that protect children from abuse and neglect.
People
Janie Criner
Executive Director
Leading Child Watch CAC since its founding in 1984, Janie has dedicated her career to child abuse prevention and victim advocacy. With decades of experience in social services, she oversees all organizational operations and community partnerships.
Kimberly Hines
Clinical Coordinator
Licensed Professional Counselor directing our mental health services, Kimberly specializes in trauma recovery for child abuse victims. She supervises therapy staff and develops treatment plans using evidence-based practices while maintaining clinical oversight of all counseling services.
Stephanie Moss
CASA Program Director
Managing the Court Appointed Special Advocates program, Stephanie trains volunteers and coordinates court advocacy services across six Kentucky counties. She ensures program compliance with national CASA standards while expanding community volunteer networks to serve more children.
Summer Warner
Community Education Coordinator
Developing and implementing abuse prevention education programs, Summer trains volunteers and delivers safety curriculum to schools. She manages community outreach initiatives and coordinates presentations that empower children with safety knowledge across the region.
Stephanie Steele
Administrative Manager
Overseeing daily operations and financial management, Stephanie ensures organizational efficiency while maintaining compliance with grant requirements. She coordinates donor relations and manages administrative functions that support program delivery across multiple service locations.
Questions
What services does Child Watch CAC provide?
We offer mental health counseling for abuse victims, court advocacy through our CASA program, and abuse prevention education in schools across Western Kentucky.
Are your counseling services free?
Yes, all our services including individual therapy sessions, family counseling, and support groups are provided at no cost to families in need.
How can I schedule counseling services?
Contact us at 270.443.1440 to speak with a staff member who will help schedule an appointment at our Paducah or Benton locations.
Do you serve children outside McCracken County?
Yes, we provide services throughout the Purchase Area and adjoining counties including Ballard, Livingston, Lyon, Caldwell, and Trigg Counties.
How can I become a CASA volunteer?
Complete our 30-hour training program covering court procedures and child advocacy. Volunteers must commit to 3-4 hours weekly and be available for court dates.
How can I support your organization?
Support our mission through donations, volunteering for education programs, or participating in community outreach events to prevent child abuse.
