Childhaven

Our mission: Childhaven heals children and families to stop the cycle of abuse and neglect.

Our vision: A community where child abuse and neglect no longer exist.

Childhaven was founded in 1909 as the Seattle Day Nursery to provide support for working mothers. In the mid-1970's, after having operated as a traditional child care center for decades, the agency leadership recognized a grave need: a lack of services for very young victims of abuse and neglect. In 1977, we initiated the nation's first therapeutically-based child care program for young victims of abuse and neglect. Supported by research that brain development is at its most critical period between birth and five years of age, our work has been met with resounding successes. We serve over 300 children annually throughout King County through our programs.

Childhaven is the only agency in King County with the specific mission of breaking the cycle of abuse and neglect through early therapeutic intervention. Our research-based programs serve infants and preschool children from one month through five years of age through nurturing, developmentally appropriate activities, nutrition, healthcare and individual treatment plans.

Childhood Trauma Therapy: Children referred to us by child welfare authorities receive developmentally-focused care and treatment in an enriched learning environment with very low child-to-staff ratios.

Drug-Affected Infant Program: Children affected by their parents? substance abuse (including in utero) receive care and treatment while their parents are enrolled in outpatient chemical dependency programs.

Wrap-around services: Health screenings, two balanced meals a day, door-to-door transportation to and from our branches, monthly home visits and daily home monitoring.

Parent education: Through individual and group support, and a new program that uses videotaping and feedback, parents gain skills and confidence to better care for and nurture their children.