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Free, round-the-clock help for children, teens and parents
Since its founding in 1978, Kids in Crisis has helped more than 80,000 Connecticut children and families; in
2007 more than 8,100 children and families received assistance from the organization.
Based in Cos Cob, Kids in Crisis provides services to children of all socio- economic conditions in
Fairfield County, including those in Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Norwalk, Ridgefield, Stamford,
Weston, Westport and Wilton.
For community programs call 203-622-6556
For Help call
203-327-KIDS
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Meet Our Kids
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To preserve anonymity, photos of children on this
website are representations only.
Patrick
Seventeen-year-old Patrick came to Kids in Crisis with his 16-year-old brother after they were removed from their aunt’s home because of neglect. Their mother, a substance abuser, was unable to care for the boys. Their father died in 2003, and the boys speak eloquently about how he would have been devastated to see they had no where safe to go. Patrick and his brother were exceptionally close; both feared they might be separated. Patrick came to Kids in Crisis having received computer training at Job Corps. With our support, he was able to obtain a job teaching computer classes to younger children. Patrick wanted deeply to continue his education and was interested in going to college. At Kids in Crisis, he was given a tutor to assist him in studying for the SATs. After two months at the Teen House, both Patrick and his brother were transitioned –together--to a local program where Patrick could begin independent living and his brother could be in a group home setting. Patrick scored well on the SATs and, in September 2007 became a college freshman.
Chris
Chris, age 6, and his two younger siblings arrived at Kids in Crisis after their mother was diagnosed with cancer. Their mother was a young, single woman with limited resources, and the children needed a safe, secure place to stay while she received medical treatment. Chris and his siblings did well during their time at Kids in Crisis; though they missed their mother greatly, they were old enough to understand that their mother needed to get better before she could care for them again. A few months later, after a stem cell transplant, their mother was well enough to take the children back. With the appropriate supports in place, Kids in Crisis sent the children home to live with their mother.
Ken
Left unsupervised by his parents, four-year-old Ken suffered third degree burns while playing with a lighter. It was determined by the State that only Kids in Crisis could offer him the unusual combination of medical and psychological care. The Kids in Crisis counselors provided therapeutic support services, directed his extensive, daily medical care and supervised weekly doctor’s appointments and OT/PT services. During his three-month stay, Ken’s wounds healed almost completely and he was given the opportunity to be a lively, fun-loving little boy. Today, Ken is living with a foster family and thriving in his new environment.
Deidre
Deidre, 16, arrived at Kids in Crisis one morning, telling the staff she had just received “the worst news of her life” – she was pregnant and no longer welcome at home. Once settled, Deidre met regularly with the Nurse Practitioner for help on proper nutrition to care for herself and her developing baby. Staff arranged regular appointments with a caring obstetrician. Counseling professionals addressed her emotional needs and brought her to parenting classes. Deidre now lives with a loving foster family that provides the support she needs to finish school, while caring for her son – a healthy, happy baby named Brian, after Deidre’s favorite Kids in Crisis counselor. When she left Kids in Crisis, Deidre wrote: “It is the first place I’ve ever been where others cared about me.”
Rick
Rick’s parents had passed away when he was 14 and his family could not care for him. Rick was hesitant to come to Kids in Crisis and even more skeptical of attending school here. He had been diagnosed with learning disabilities and a range of behavior problems. Once settled, Rick attended the agency’s school program, it was found he was underperforming in math and reading comprehension. Over time, Rick transitioned to a local middle school with a support plan for his special needs. When he received his report card, Rick was thrilled; for the first time he received all “Bs.” He made a copy to show his caseworkers from the Department of Children and Families and another to post on the refrigerator at the Teen House.
Lennie
Lennie is a 13-year-old boy whose mother is a drug abuser. He had been living with his grandmother, but her deteriorating health made it impossible for him to stay there. Lennie was confused and unsure of what the future held for him. Our Nurse Practitioner identified a hearing problem; he was soon outfitted with hearing aids. Equipped with greater confidence, and growing comfortable with the structure of the Teen House, Lennie began to reach personal goals. While attending classes provided by the Connecticut Ballet, it was discovered that Lennie was an extraordinarily talented dancer with true potential. His dance classes were expanded to twice weekly and his self-esteem grew dramatically. After settling with a new foster family, Lennie continues with his dance classes.
To preserve anonymity, photos of children on this website are representations only.
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