Treatment Services: VOCA and SATP
VOCA and SATP
The devastating effects of abuse can last a lifetime if left untreated.
Since 1993, Manatee Children’s Services has provided specialized mental health treatment for child abuse victims and their families using Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).
Through the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) and Sexual Abuse Treatment Program (SATP), children and non-offending family members receive trauma-informed, family-centered care from highly qualified therapists. Treatment focuses on reducing trauma-related behaviors and emotional responses, while helping families heal and build safer futures.
Our Non-Offending Caregiver (NOC) groups offer vital support to caregivers raising children who have experienced sexual abuse. Caregivers gain tools to break the cycle of abuse, while children learn to recognize safety threats, resist grooming behaviors, and use their voices to report abuse.
Program Impact:
For the year ending September 30, 2024, 100% of families (154 out of 154) remained free of verified child abuse findings within 12 months of program completion, and 99% (177 out of 178) remained free within 18 months.
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.
