History

Public and professional awareness about child abuse is painfully and rapidly growing during last decade in Lithuania. Psychologists, doctors, educators, social workers meet children who are physically, emotionally or sexually abused in or outside the family. But there is not enough communication between professionals from different fields, the network of qualified services for abused children is just starting to be developed, there is a lack of effective means for prevention of child abuse.
The idea of creating a center in Kaunas for prevention and treatment of child abuse emerged during the training provided by Open Society Institute-NY where several mental health professionals from Kaunas have participated since 1997.
1998-1999 were two long years of meeting with officials and foundations, preparing necessary documents, searching for founders, sponsors and facilities, formulating vision and defining activities.
Finally, Secure Child Center was founded by Open Society Fund-Lithuania and Kaunas County Administration and registered in 28.12.1999 as a public non-profit institution.
Having a vision of secure child who actualizes his potential in a caring and loving environment, we define our goal as prevention and intervention of child abuse and other child crises through implementing multidisciplinary services for children and families, educating professionals, adults and children in the community.