A Lifeline For Abused Children

The Tri-County area of Polk, Highlands, and Hardee counties has the second highest rate of child abuse in Florida. Many of these children who are abused by their parents enter the foster care system. One such child is Jennifer, who came to Children's Home Society's Hansen House at 17 after being in 27 different placements.

Hansen House is a safe haven for 12 teenage girls, ages 13-17, who have experienced physical, emotional and/or sexual abuse. These teens come from the unhealthiest living situations in our community, arriving with unbearable hurt and confusion from the traumas they have endured. We provide them with a consistent, nurturing environment, caring adult relationships and activities for healthy development.

The problem is that at age 18, these kids are on their own - literally "kicked out" of the state's program - with little or no assistance. For kids like Jennifer it's agonizingly difficult to try to make it in life without knowing who to trust and not having the support system of a family that many of us take for granted. The transition into adulthood is a scary reality for teens in the foster care system and it is our duty to help prepare them for it.

With the support of the Wal-Mart Foundation's recent $35,000 donation, we will be able to provide many of our youth with the resources they need for survival. The funds will help us to create "Steppin' Out" bags, which will include necessities for independent living, a support system and education on how to open a bank account, get a driver's license, go to college and find health care.

Our goal is to lower the number of teens facing issues such as low self-esteem, depression and drug and alcohol use because of their abusive pasts. Helping them get a good start at 18 is key. We ask that you visit our web site at www.chsfl.org and give what you can to help us end the cycle of abuse for our youth.