[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 156 (Thursday, September 20, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1267-E1268]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN HONOR OF TWENTY YEARS OF SERVICE BY CHILDREN'S SAFE HARBOR

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                            HON. KEVIN BRADY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 20, 2018

  Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize the 
Children's Safe Harbor for their twenty years of service to the 
communities of Montgomery, San Jacinto, and Walker counties.
  The Montgomery County Children's Advocacy Center, Inc., also known as 
Children's Safe Harbor (CSH), was established over two decades ago to 
address child abuse. Specifically, CSH cares for children between the 
ages of two and seventeen who have suffered sexual abuse, physical 
abuse and trauma. Since this important organization opened its doors on 
August 31, 1998, it has provided a safe place for children where they 
can be heard, helped and healed.
  From the beginning, CSH's principle mission has been to provide a 
supportive, safe environment for children while enhancing the 
coordination between criminal investigations and the monitoring of 
child abuse cases. Instead of children unnecessarily accessing multiple 
law enforcement agencies and child protection systems to seek healing 
and justice, CSH utilizes a multi-disciplinary, team-oriented approach 
to successfully coordinate effective, efficient, and child-centered 
casework. This method allows CSH to offer victimized children the care 
they need while also ensuring that the evidence necessary for 
prosecution is gathered effectively and mental health resources for 
children and non-offending family members are coordinated through 
completion of care.
  First founded in Montgomery County, CSH has since expanded its 
operations and is now a multi-county resource for children and 
families. In its first few months, approximately 23 children were 
referred to the organization. Now, the average number of cases assisted 
by CSH totals over 200 a month. Though the increase in requests for 
help brought forth new challenges, CSH met them head-on. CSH's hard 
work and selfless service has helped 14,369 vulnerable children seeking 
the healing and justice they deserve--a truly incredible 
accomplishment.
  In 1993, I joined my fellow CSH board members and signed a charter 
application to initiate this life-changing nonprofit organization. It 
is amazing to see the miracles this organization has accomplished since 
its founding, and I am proud to recognize CSH for the crucial work it 
has done in our community over the past twenty years.
  To the staff, volunteers, and community leaders, such as my close 
friend Executive Director Victoria Constance, Ph.D., who have worked 
tirelessly to make CSH the life-changing organization it is today--
thank you. Without your dedication, CSH would not be able to

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change the lives of the thousands of children who have sought help from 
your organization. You are all champions of social justice, and it is 
my honor to congratulate you all on twenty years of devoted service.



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