Trinity Kids is focused on meeting the needs of children who have suffered at the hands of abuse, the majority (over 80%) of which is delivered to the child by a parent.  But, we must first define child abuse in order to better understand what it is, what causes, how it can be prevented, and how we address the needs of those who have suffered from abuse as a child.

The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) defines child abuse and neglect as:

• "Any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation"; or

• "An act or failure to act which represents an imminent risk of serious harm."

What are the long-term consequences?

Abuse not only has an immediate impact physical and emotional impact on a child, but it also comes with consequences that follow them into adulthood.  The following statistics provides a glimpse of the continuing struggles that victims of child abuse face as they transition from childhood into adulthood.  Victims of child abuse:

• are 25% more likely to experience teen pregnancy;

• will abuse their own children as an adult (30%);

• will be diagnosed at age 21 with at least one psychological disorder (80%);

• are 59% more likely to be arrested as a juvenile;

• are 28% more likely to be arrested as an adult; and

• are 30% more likely to commit violent crime.

These horrific statistics show us that child abuse not only affects the child, but it impacts all of us in the future through a continuing cycle of abuse, increased crime rate (including violent crimes), and a staggering cost to society.  Trinity Kids works to reduce this impact by working to develop appropriate and loving relationships with children who have suffered abuse in order to give them the best chance for lifelong success without become another statistic.