Intervention Programs and Services | PEI Kids

Programs & Services

For children and youth who’ve been physically assaulted, sexually abused, struggling with anger, in the justice or child-welfare system, or are being lured by gangs toward a path of crime, PEI Kids offers expert services and support to help children and families heal, recover, and resume normal healthy functioning.

We offer evidence-based programs and services delivered with care and integrity following a traumatizing event, a disclosure, or identification of a problem or risk. We also offer Family Support Services for children in foster care and families under DCPP supervision.

There is never a charge for children, youth or families to participate in PEI KIDS’ programs or receive services.

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Crisis Intervention for Child Victims of Sexual Abuse

Since 1987, PEI Kids’ crisis counseling program has helped more than 6,000 children who have been victims of sexual abuse. On average, over 200 cases of child sexual abuse in Mercer County are reported each year; and the Prosecutor’s Office refers 98% of these cases to PEI Kids. Children 3 to 18 years of age and their families are eligible for services. We are the only area agency that provides mental health counseling to very young child victims. Therapeutic components include:

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Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

Support groups for victims, siblings, and non-offending family members

Therapy for Children with Sexual Behavior Problems

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Comprehensive Juvenile Offender Outreach Services (CJOOS)

When youth experience their first arrest, it is crucial that they receive support and redirection. Run in partnership with local law enforcement, Mercer County Juvenile Probation and Family Court, our community-based CJOOS program has helped more than 3,500 youthful offenders turn their lives around and work toward more productive futures. Participants, aged 11 to 17, who often report gang involvement upon intake, receive opportunities to gain new skills, connect with better options, and complete terms of court, probation or avoid formal charges altogether through:

Experiential learning through recreational, educational and cultural trips

Opportunities for college, trade-school and career

Violence prevention and conflict resolution skills

Gang culture education and resistance skills

Fulfillment of probation requirements

Tolerance and critical thinking skills

Community service projects

Support for court appearances

Managing Aggression and Violence Program (MAV)

PEI Kids’ Managing Aggression and Violence (MAV) program helps youth with anger-related issues improve interpersonal communication, conflict resolution and violence-avoidance skills. Youth learn coping strategies and communication skills that enable them to better regulate their emotions, enjoy healthier relationships with family and in school settings, and engage with pro-social peers. MAV accepts referrals from schools, community-based programs, faith-based groups, parents, and Family Court.

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Support Group for Crisis Intervention

Healthy, supportive family relationships are a strategy for healing and resilience. Support group meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month for child victims of sexual abuse and non-offending, supportive family members. Participants benefit from education, peer support, and group learning in these specialized sessions that help the entire family heal from the trauma of sexual abuse. A light meal is served and childcare is provided for younger siblings to encourage parents and family household members to participate.

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Council Against Youth Violence (CAYV)

The Council Against Youth Violence (CAYV) addresses violence and victimization among youth the greater Trenton area using a multidisciplinary team (MDT) response model to deliver targeted services to youth impacted by community violence. Whether a victim, witness, or youth have lost a loved one to violence, we can provide case management, mental health counseling, emergency shelter, educational support, life skills training, victim compensation assistance, and a range of specialized support.