Children’s Program

Children who grow up in violent homes are susceptible to a myriad of issues, including behavioral, social, emotional, and cognitive aspects of development. KAN-WIN takes into consideration a child’s bicultural upbringing and provides a culturally sensitive and safe space for children to address their experiences of violence and assists them with developing the skills to cope with negative feelings and resolve conflicts without using violence.

The Children’s Program works with families to:

+ Strengthen parent-child relationships by fostering good communication skills, including mediating conflicts that may arise due to cultural and generational differences.

+ Reduce feelings of shame, isolation, and self-blame.

+ Develop conflict resolution skills, self esteem, and healthy socialization skills.

+ Create a safety plan.

The Children’s Program offers:

+ Case management

+ Individual counseling

+ Children’s support group

+ Educational and childcare advocacy

+ Field trips and holiday parties

+ Follow-up services

+ Outreach and education

+ Information and referrals

Joey* is 8 years old and first had contact with KAN-WIN in 2006 when his mother came to receive help after enduring years of physical and emotional abuse from his father. In the years following his parent’s separation, Joey started exhibiting violent behavior towards his mother, similar to that of his father. During bi-weekly individual meetings with the Children’s Program Coordinator, Joey learned to identify and redirect his anger in a safe way with the use of a “calm kit,” which contained various items (play-doh, stress balls, etc.). Joey also explored different strategies to use when he felt his anger escalating. Joey’s mother said that she has noticed him using these various strategies and that their relationship now consists of mostly positive interactions.
*Name changed to protect anonymity.