Treatment Services: VOCA and SATP
VOCA and SATP
The devastating effects of abuse can last a lifetime if left unaddressed.
Since 1993, Manatee Children’s Services has provided specialized mental health treatment for child abuse victims and their families through Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).
Through the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) and Sexual Abuse Treatment Program (SATP), children and their non-offending family members receive trauma-informed, family-centered care from highly trained therapists. Treatment focuses on reducing trauma-related behaviors and emotional distress while helping families heal, rebuild trust, and create safer, more stable futures.
Our Non-Offending Caregiver (NOC) groups provide critical support for caregivers of children who have experienced sexual abuse. Caregivers gain the tools and confidence to help break the cycle of abuse, while children learn to recognize unsafe situations, resist grooming behaviors, and find their voice to report abuse.
Program Impact:
Our program measures success by evaluating incidents of reported abuse in the home post-treatment. Abuse-free homes after treatment occur because therapy doesn’t just address past trauma: it builds critical protective skills. Children learn how to recognize unsafe situations, understand boundaries, and respond to personal safety threats. At the same time, caregivers are often engaged in the process, strengthening their ability to provide safe, stable, and supportive environments. As a result, families leave therapy better equipped to interrupt harmful patterns, reduce risk factors, and respond early to warning signs. This combination of increased awareness, improved coping skills, and stronger protective support systems directly lowers the likelihood of abuse occurring or recurring.
In the year ending September 30, 2025, 99% of participants who completed MCS clinical therapy had no verified findings of child abuse up to 18 months post-therapy, demonstrating their ability to recognize and respond to personal safety threats.
Testimonials
“Our therapist has been more than amazing. My son loves her. At first, he didn’t want to do it and now he asks when he’s going to therapy.”
“Our experience with clinical when my daughter was younger made us reach out and come back again.”
“Tiffany” entered the Non-Offending Caregiver program as a single mother after her child was abused by her partner. Initially she did not believe or support her child after the abuse was disclosed, but after attending group sessions, Tiffany disclosed her own sexual abuse and lack of support. She realized this was a bad feeling and began to see the importance of supporting and protecting her child. Tiffany successfully completed all sessions in the program with a newfound mindset necessary to rebuild the relationship between her and her child.
How to help our SATP and VOCA treatment teams:
- Art therapy supplies
- Sensory tools and toys
- Gift cards to fund therapeutic items as needed
- General monetary donations for unrestricted funds to support ongoing therapeutic tools
For more information on our Treatment programs, contact Celeste Martens, LCSW, Clinical Services Director.
MCS provides a full spectrum of programs serving over 12,000 children and families annually. Since its inception in 1977 as the Manatee County’s first and only emergency shelter for abused children in foster care, MCS has grown to offer programs in treatment, prevention, intervention, and residential services.
