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.

03/20/2026

It's officially the first day of spring. Children who have experienced trauma are triggered by seasonal changes. Highly sensitive children can also feel increased anxiety at the subtle changes in light, their routines, and the weather. Acknowledging they maybe be trying to adjust to these changes will ease their minds and let them know they are loved and supported. Validate their feelings. Don't gaslight them by telling them to cheer up or sanp out of it. Take advantage o fhte nice weather to connect with nature and make sure there are some stable parts of their routines that stay all year long.

03/20/2026

Studies show that 20–30 minutes in nature lowers cortisol (stress levels) in children, helping them feel calmer and more relaxed. Science aside, it's just fun to run around and be silly!
(Source: Frontiers in Psychology)

03/18/2026

Long Beach City Council honored Women in Nonprofits as part of Women's History Month. With a Council comprised of seven women of the nine districts, women leaders is especially poignant in our city. Shout out to our Board Member, First District Councilwoman Mary Zendejas, and thanks to Eighth District Councilwoman Tunua Thrash Ntuk for nominating For The Child's Executive Director Michele Winterstein as a leader in her council district.

The council was full of amazing women who lead the charge for many causes every day! Happy Women's History Month!

03/17/2026

Happy St. Patrick's Day!
May your blessings ournumber the shamrocks that gorw, and may trouble avoid you wherever you go. -Irish Blessing

03/14/2026

Take every moment you can with your children to build strong, open relationships with them. Resilience will help them their whole lives!

03/12/2026

It's National Social Worker Month! Social workers make an amazing difference in society EVERY DAY! If you know one, let them know this month how much they are appreciated.

03/11/2026

It takes a while to get used to the time, but Daylight Saving Time gives us a tremendous gift by stretching our daylight out. Adjust your schedule to enjoy the extra sunlight as family time. Long walks in the neighborhood, a nearby park, or on the beach. Dinners when everyone can get home before the sun goes down. More conversations when it feels so carefree and friendly with the extra sunlight.

Research shows that the most important factor in helping children build resilience after trauma is having at least one s...
03/06/2026

Research shows that the most important factor in helping children build resilience after trauma is having at least one stable, supportive relationship with a caring adult.

That trusted adult might be:
• A parent or grandparent
• A teacher or school counselor
• A coach or mentor
• A foster parent
• A therapist or social worker

When children know there is someone who listens, believes them, and shows up consistently, they are more likely to develop confidence, emotional strength, and hope for the future.

Sometimes it only takes one caring adult to change a child’s story.

Source: Harvard Center on the Developing Child

Mothers, grandmothers, teachers, counselors, and advocates--women who help children feel safe and supported. Happy Women...
03/05/2026

Mothers, grandmothers, teachers, counselors, and advocates--women who help children feel safe and supported. Happy Women's History Month!

02/27/2026

It's never too late to help a child heal. For more than 50 years For The Child has helped children heal from childhood trauma and change the direction of their lives. Your support helps our talented therapists and staff create a safe place for them to regain their childhood. Thank you to all of our donors and supporters. Like if you agree that every child is worth our help.

02/26/2026

Talking to teens without escalating is challenging. Regulated, calm parents help raise regulated, calm kids. Keep things neutral and casual. Truly listen and don't react too quickly. Ask questions and don't jump tot conclusions. Your child deserves your patience in order to build trust with you. Keep the lines of communication open.

Reasoning with teens can be exasperated. Remember, mom and dad, you are the adult. It is up to you to stay calm and mode...
02/22/2026

Reasoning with teens can be exasperated. Remember, mom and dad, you are the adult. It is up to you to stay calm and model a reasonable way to talk things through.

Shouting often happens when:
- Teens feel misunderstood
- Parents feel disrespected
- Both feel unheard
But when voices rise, the teen brain shifts into defense mode. Once that happens, logic and listening shut down.

What a Calm Voice Communicates to a Teen
A steady tone says:
- “You’re not in danger.”
- “I’m still your safe person.”
- “We can handle this.”
- “Your feelings don’t scare me.”
This doesn’t mean permissiveness. You can be calm and firm.

Teens are far more likely to engage when they feel respected rather than overpowered.

Parenting is hard, but you got this!

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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