CAC's Safe from the Start (SFTS) program is unlike any other in the area. We work with families who have experienced abuse to help each member on their path toward healing in a safe, therapeutic setting. What's truly unique about the program is that our therapy is offered to children ages birth - five years who have witnessed domestic abuse.

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This program is offered free of charge and in English and Spanish.

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​Our Trauma Therapists use age-appropriate, evidence-based techniques such as:

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT)

In addition, they incorporate principles from play therapy, art therapy and Mindfulness, working both with individuals and the parent and child together.

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Safe from the Start also collaborates with a network of social service partners for referrals and wraparound support.

​​SFTS is staffed by four trained Trauma Therapists, all of whom have participated in the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV) 40-hour training program.