The purpose of Anna Marie’s Children Exposed to Violence Initiative (CEVI) is to provide healing for children who suffer from trauma and/or other physical, developmental, and psychological problems (anxiety, depression etc) which affect their health and well being. Research indicates that early assessment and intervention provides the support needed to reverse the damaging effects of exposure to domestic violence. Early intervention is effective in preventing on-going life problems including the repetition of the cycle of family violence, alcohol/drug use, poor self-esteem, and poor school performance.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, only 20% of children with serious emotional disturbance receive treatment. Families have difficulty accessing mental health services for children because services are typically not well coordinated, have a long waiting period for initial appointment, or lack insurance. Often families are fearful of the stigma attached to receiving mental health services. CEVI addresses these issues by conveniently conducting the intake/screening process, assessment, parent education and therapy on site at the shelter in a timely manner. Our program allows for a child to have access to a therapist on a weekly basis and psychiatric services for comprehensive assessment within 4 weeks of arriving at the shelter. Healthy attachment work with the mother and child (ages 0-3) begins within 1-2 weeks of arrival and a therapist is available within a week. Services are available at no cost.

Anna Marie’s Children Exposed to Violence Initiative (CEVI) is a collaboration of Child Advocates, a therapist, a child psychiatrist, a public health nurse, and an early childhood educator. This team provides a continuum of care for children by: (1) Screening children for mental health, developmental, physical problems, (2) providing a thorough assessment of children whose screening results indicated a need and (3) making referrals and providing services based upon the results of the assessment. In addition efforts are made to help parents best understand the needs of their children and provide them with tools to sensitively respond to those needs.