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Children's Program

Children are amazingly resilient, yet domestic violence and sexual assault leave their marks. Children notice everything and hear everything. When children who have witness domestic violence come to our emergency shelter with a parent, they come affected by what they have witnesses. However, most children thrive in shelter because they quickly learn that it's a place where they are safe. Even discipline used at shelter is "safe" because the only discipline allowed is non-violent, such as age-appropriate time-outs.

CODA's Children's Advocate assesses each child who enters shelter with a parent. Children are referred to appropriate agencies as necessary. Our advocate is a liaison between the parent and the Vigo County School Corporation, making sure that the appropriate transportation is provided and/or safe after-school pickups are coordinated.

In most cases, children are able to continue attending the school they were in prior to entering shelter, unless safety is an issue.

Age-appropriate activities are held for children residing in shelter such as games, art activities, indoor and outdoor play, and educational activities.