Children's Rights Foundation

SUMMARY OF SERVICES

Preventing Child Abuse Through Education -

By educating the public on the SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS of child abuse, more people will be able to recognize this tragedy that is plaguing our children today. Over three million are victims of child abuse and neglect each year in our country. The Children's Rights Foundation, Inc. dedicates it resources to protecting children against child abuse and exploitation, by teaching the facts about child abuse in our local communities.

The Foundation uses printed materials, public speaking, seminars and media to wage war against child abuse.

The Foundation also helps individuals report suspected child abuse and/or neglect to the proper authorities nationwide and follows up on each case to insure proper action has been taken.

Developing Self Esteem In Children -

Through the use of special events, music and printed materials, positive methods of enhancing children's self esteem is made available to promote confident development.

The Foundation sponsors parties and recreational activities for children who have special needs or are victims of child abuse. These activities allow the children to experience the joys of childhood and "LETS THEM BE KIDS" even if it is for a short time.

Positive and constructive recreation and entertainment are provided throughout the year for these children to enjoy. A heavy emphasis is placed on self-esteem boosting.

National 800 Referral Hotline -

The Children's Rights Foundation operates an 800-referral hotline to assist families nationwide by referring them to the proper authorities or agencies in their geographical area in time of crisis. The Foundation follows up on each case to insure proper action has been taken.

Food Pantry -

Canned and non-perishable foods are collected throughout the year and distributed to families with children in need of assistance.

Volunteers -

By providing volunteer opportunities to the community, the Foundation allows for direct involvement with the issues facing our children. Volunteers are active in all aspects of our mission, from working with our self-esteem program to outreach and fund raising.

Basic Necessities -

Donated items are distributed as a means to provide needy and at risk families with much needed clothing, house wares, toys, shoes, hardware, etc. (basic necessities). These items are made available to all families in need at no charge. When a family receives the basic necessities of life it helps to reduce stress, thus lowering the potential for child abuse.

International Involvement -

The Foundation helps needy children and their families of Third World Countries by distributing excess donated items to International Charities, Missions, Ministries and/or International Importers. The Foundation believes that humanitarian needs do not stop at the U.S.A. border. Children are innocent victims of their surroundings. And children are children no matter where they live.

Legal Representation -

The Foundation helps parents to represent the rights and interests of disabled children and obtain uniform, efficient, safe and secure high quality education as guaranteed under Article IX, section 1 of the Florida Constitution and various other states and federal laws. The Foundation will help to secure the litigation needed to address the individual and systemic problems that face disabled children in our educational system.

Legal Services -

The Foundation provides legal services for the protection of the rights of children to persons who's income is too high for legal aid but too low to pay the prevailing rate charged by attorneys. Fees for these services will be on a sliding scale in order to provide families with children greater access to the legal system. These services include consultation and legal representation as well as mediation. Cases accepted will be those where the best interest of the child can be served by preventing further abuse and neglect or other instances where child welfare is at risk.