Treatment Services: VOCA and SATP
VOCA and SATP
The effects of child abuse can last a lifetime if not addressed. Since 1993, Manatee Children’s Services has offered specialized mental health counseling for children who have experienced physical or sexual abuse, helping them and their families heal and build safer futures.
Our clinical team uses Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)—an evidence-based treatment that helps children and non-offending family members work through the emotional and behavioral impacts of trauma.
- VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) counseling provides free mental health services for children who are victims of crime and their family members, helping them recover emotionally and regain stability.
- SATP (Sexual Abuse Treatment Program) offers specialized, family-centered therapy for victims of child sexual abuse. Treatment is led by a trained therapist under the supervision of a Licensed Mental Health Counselor certified by the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers (ATSA).
To promote long-term success, our clinicians also provide education to families to help break the cycle of abuse. Children learn how to recognize unsafe situations, how to say no, who to talk to, and how to protect themselves from future harm. These strategies are vital in preventing abuse from happening again.
For the year ending September 30, 2024:
99% (177 out of 178) remained free from verified abuse within 18 months post-treatment.
100% of program graduates (154 out of 154) remained free from verified abuse 12 months after completing treatment.
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.
