If you suspect abuse call 970-242-1211 or dial 911

Help, Hope, Healing

It’s difficult to accept that child abuse happens here. But it does. And turning a blind eye feeds the trauma and allows it to continue. The only way to end child abuse is to not turn away. To not let children navigate the darkness alone. To walk with them, believe them, support them, fight for them, love them, help them, and uplift them. Because with each child we help heal, there’s hope for all.

Your Support Helps

Your generosity assists us in providing a safe haven and a healing journey for young victims of abuse. Please help make a child’s tomorrow better by giving today.

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About the Western Slope Center for Children

In Mesa County, well over 300 children a year are harmed by sexual abuse, physical abuse, and other forms of violence. And these are just the children who disclose their abuse to someone who can report—there are countless others who don’t. Abuse is a threat to the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of our children.

The Western Slope Center for Children (d.b.a. “The Center for Children”) was formed in the early 1990s as a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization by community members, officials, and other stakeholders dedicated to the ongoing protection and safety of children in the Grand Valley.

The Center for Children’s purpose is to facilitate and coordinate the work of existing governmental agencies and independent service providers to meet the needs of abused children. By its 25th anniversary, the agency had provided services to more than 20,000 child victims and their family members

The child advocacy center staff is comprised of individuals with specialized training in the field of child abuse & neglect. However, the work of disrupting child mistreatment in our community does not happen without effective communication and teamwork at the highest level with community partner agencies who are equally dedicated to changing children’s lives for the better.

The multidisciplinary team partners of The Center for Children include:

  • 21st Judicial District Attorney’s Office
  • Fruita Police Department
  • Grand Junction Police Department
  • Mesa County Department of Human Services
  • Mesa County SANE Program
  • Mesa County Sheriff’s Office
  • Palisade Police Department

What people say

My son was referred to The Center and has been going for a few months. He is so excited to go each week. The whole building is full of love and support. We are always welcomed with no judgement and open arms. They can help you find all sorts of resources for your family. This is a quiet, safe place to just take a deep breath and know things will get better! The Center has changed my family’s life and brought us so much peace.

~ Caregiver of a 4-year-old client who received services

The Center for Children is an extremely valuable resource to law enforcement and the only child advocacy center in Mesa County. Not only do they provide a safe and friendly environment for children to tell their stories one time during a professional forensic interview, but they also provide appropriate services and follow-up for children and their families. The Center for Children is also comprised of a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) which allows us all to be on the same page and provide the best outcome for our child victims and their families.

~ Former detective partnered with The Center

From the moment of disclosure, the Center for Children has been a spearhead in the process of getting my child safe and stable. They have supported our family through each step, always making sure we were never alone and had every resource we could need. My child is able to flourish now two years since the initial interview and I know so much of it is accredited to the hard work of each staff member at The Center. Beyond their help for my child, they have also provided me with the care and support needed to navigate this experience and have always helped us through any of the emotions it brings. Words cannot describe how grateful we are to the staff at the Center for Children and the amazing work they do.

~ Caregiver of a 12-year-old client who received services

The Center for Children has been a huge blessing to my daughter. Our therapist has been amazing in helping my daughter through her difficult time in life! I am very thankful for The Center and the therapy team for all they have done to help in this process. I would recommend anyone in need to come to The Center! 10 out of 10 for us! Thank you all!

~ Caregiver of a 13-year-old client who received services

Making A Difference

Total number of children served in the organization’s history

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Percentage of cases seen for sexual abuse concerns in 2023

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Number of children expected to be sexually abused before their 18th birthday

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Percentage of children who know and have some relationship with their alleged offender

Successful convictions of offenders in child sex abuse cases in 2023

CAC work supported by: