For The Child

For The Child Child Abuse Treatment and Prevention. Family Focused Mental Health Treatment for Children & Teens.

OUR PHILOSOPHY
•Children deserve to be safe in their homes and the community.
•Children deserve the opportunity to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
•It is parents who have the greatest ability to keep children safe and assist them in their personal development. HISTORY OF THE AGENCY
For The Child, Inc was officially incorporated July 1, 1996. It is, however, an organization with a long and productive history in the Long Beach community as it was formed through the merger of two respected agencies – Cedar House and Sarah Center.

01/31/2026

Discussion doesn't scare children, silence does. Be open about their safety in an age appropriate way. Starting with body safety provides a good foundation. When you educate your children, you empower them.

Be aware of who your child is connecting with. Make time for your kids to talk and bond with you. You'll know them bette...
01/30/2026

Be aware of who your child is connecting with. Make time for your kids to talk and bond with you. You'll know them better, and you may protect them from being lured into a dangerous situation.

01/29/2026

🖍 Use Visuals & Play
Young children often express feelings through:
• Drawing
• Play
• Movement
• Choosing pictures or feeling charts
You might say:
“Can you show me how your body feels?” or “Which picture feels like today?”

🗣 Name Feelings Gently
Help build emotional language by modeling it:
• “That looked really frustrating.”
• “I wonder if you felt scared.”
You’re not putting words in their mouth—you’re offering possibilities.

🧸 Stay Calm & Present
Big emotions can overwhelm a child’s ability to talk.
A calm adult nervous system helps a child feel safe enough to communicate.
Sometimes silence, sitting nearby, or a hug says more than questions.

⏳ Give It Time
Children may need time before they can explain what’s wrong—sometimes hours or even days later.
Let them know you’re available when they’re ready.
Connection before correction.
Understanding comes after safety.

Invite your child to point to an image or word that shows how they feel today.Ask your child:• “Do any of these match ho...
01/23/2026

Invite your child to point to an image or word that shows how they feel today.

Ask your child:
• “Do any of these match how you feel?”
• “What made today feel that way?”
• “What would help right now?”

For children who have experienced stress or trauma, naming emotions can feel overwhelming. Visual tools make it easier—and remind them they don’t have to explain or justify their feelings.

Listening without judgment builds trust—and emotional resilience. Connection comes before correction.

Take time today to pause on the amazing impact Martin Luther King, Jr. had on this country. Let us stand for what's righ...
01/19/2026

Take time today to pause on the amazing impact Martin Luther King, Jr. had on this country. Let us stand for what's right and not be afraid to do so.

Make your weekend meaningful. You don't have to be busy or spend a lot of money to make lasting memories.
01/17/2026

Make your weekend meaningful. You don't have to be busy or spend a lot of money to make lasting memories.

Are you up for it? Make this world better in someway every day. Many people do not realize how many children are abused ...
01/17/2026

Are you up for it? Make this world better in someway every day. Many people do not realize how many children are abused and neglected. They aren't even aware it's happening in their own community. According to the Child Welfare League of America, in 2022 in California (the most recents stats) 50,869 children were identified as victims of abuse or neglect. If you agree that this is unacceptable, then pledge to be a child advocate. These are three easy things you can do:
- Follow For The Child, Like our posts, Leave a comment, and SHARE!
- Be informed! pay attention to the signs to look for. We share these items often--abuse, neglect, human trafficking, etc. There are many online sources for you ro lear more about any of these topics.
- Volunteer! The ultimate is when you spend time on our projects. You can start small and grow into bigger roles. Our CART volunteers (Child Abuse Response Team) would love to welcome you to their team. See our website to learn more.

It's Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Many young teens are taken advantage of online. Pay attention to the signs and ...
01/15/2026

It's Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Many young teens are taken advantage of online. Pay attention to the signs and do what you can to avoid letting your child get into a dangerous--even life-threatening--situation.

01/09/2026

Children who have experienced abuse, neglect, or violence may show signs such as:
• Sudden changes in behavior or mood
• Trouble concentrating or sleeping
• Acting out—or withdrawing completely
• Fear, anxiety, or intense reactions to small stressors
• Regression (bedwetting, clinginess, loss of skills)

These behaviors are not “bad behavior.”

They are often coping behaviors—a child’s way of surviving overwhelming experiences.

If you’re concerned about a child, trust your instincts—and reach out for support.

01/01/2026

Have a very happy new year!

From all of us to all of our clients, supporters, donors, family, and friends. Have a very blessed holiday full of the w...
12/25/2025

From all of us to all of our clients, supporters, donors, family, and friends. Have a very blessed holiday full of the warmth and cheer of the season.

Our holiday schedule for your convenience. Please make a note of it. Happy Holidays!
12/24/2025

Our holiday schedule for your convenience. Please make a note of it.

Happy Holidays!

Address

4565 California Avenue
Long Beach, CA
90807

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 7pm
Tuesday 8am - 7pm
Wednesday 8am - 7pm
Thursday 8am - 7pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+15624228472

Website

https://www.longbeachgives.org/for-the-child

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