The A. B. and Jessie Polinsky Children’s Center opened in 1994. Promises2Kids, known then as the Child Abuse Prevention Foundation, raised $12 million to build this 6-acre facility which is the County’s only emergency shelter for children and now a national model for the protection and care of abused and neglected children. The campus includes six residential cottages, an infant nursery, medical clinic, school, library, cafeteria, gymnasium, 2 swimming pools, 2 playgrounds, and an outdoor athletic field.  Services and programs include:

The Developmental Screening and Enhancement Program (DSEP)

Children entering foster care have a number of risk factors for developmental and behavioral difficulties. Studies show that 10% of children in the general population have developmental delay and 5% have a behavior need. In contrast, up to 60% of children in foster care have developmental delay and up to 30% have a behavior need. DSEP provides assessment, referrals, education, support and case management for children ages 0 to 5 to help address these needs.

The Youth2Youth Program

This powerful peer-driven program provides emotional support and life skills training to current foster youth at the Polinsky Children’s Center. All Youth Mentors are former foster youth over the age of 18.  Mentors are selected, coached, supervised and trained. The foster youth benefits by having a mentor and friend who has ‘been there’ and understands the challenges foster youth face. The relationship developed between the Youth Mentor and foster youth is a special one and driven by the unique trust developed between two individuals with common experiences.

Polinsky Children’s Center School

The Foundation supports the Education program through monetary donations, in-kind gifts of sports equipment, assistance in library and gymnasium renovations, and donation of books and other educational materials.

Pet Therapy Program

The children at the Polinsky Children’s Center have learned cruel and neglectful behavior from an adult. As a result, these children are at a much higher risk of becoming abusive themselves, either to another human being or to an animal.  The goal of the PET program at the Polinsky Center is to break the cycle of suffering, cruelty, and neglect by bringing unconditional love and the tactile benefits of animals to abused, neglected and abandoned children.

Recreation

A host of fun, entertaining and relaxing recreational activities are provided for the children at the Polinsky Center including dance classes through the Eveoke Dance Company, art classes, martial arts, games and sports activities. Fun is an important part of every childhood - many of these children have not had much fun in their lives.  The staff makes sure that every child has their fill of fun, smiles, giggles, and peer camaraderie, while residing at the Polinsky Children’s Center.

Polinsky Center Trustees  
Volunteer Opportunities at Polinsky

Help abused and neglected children who reside at the Polinsky Children's Center.