Since 1875, Heartland Family Service has been strengthening individuals and families in our community through education, counseling, and support services.

Child Abuse

Child Abuse

Child abuse is a heartbreaking fact in our community. When children are at risk, we go into the family home to teach parents safe methods of discipline and to connect the family with services they need. But when children arrive at our emergency shelters—often with a police officer—they need immediate rest, comfort, nutritious food and clothing. We ensure they have transportation to their own school when they are able to return, and to appointments for therapy and medical attention. Their needs are strong, and the protection and care they are given during this transition to a safe home arrangement is critical to their well-being now and for the future.

You can encourage these children in a number of ways.

Volunteer Opportunities

Contact the volunteer coordinator to:

  • Provide a special meal
  • Host a birthday or holiday party
  • Help with homework at the facility
  • Chaperone outings
  • Be a mentor
  • Sort donations
  • Organize a Wish List collection
  • Help with clerical work

Donation Opportunities

Programs in this Category

 

In-Home Safety & Preservation Services

This home-based program provides services and support to families involved with the State of Nebraska due to allegations of abuse and/or neglect. Services are provided within family homes and in the community to either prevent children from being removed from their homes, or to reunite children with their families. The cost of providing services within a family home is minimal when compared to the cost of placing a child in a foster home or group home setting, providing a substantial savings to the community for each child.

 

“Jefferson House” Shelter & Group Home

(Dodge County & Surrounding Area)

The Jefferson House provides emergency shelter care and group home services for children in the city of Fremont, NE, and surrounding communities. Once the house was built, the Jefferson House Advisory Committee and Dodge County officials sought the expertise of Heartland Family Service because there were no local providers to serve Fremont children. Prior to opening the Jefferson House, children requiring emergency placement were being sent an hour or more outside of Fremont for these services. Now these children benefit from community-based services that allow them to attend their home school and continue to be near familiar people and surroundings. The well-trained professional staff offers a therapeutic program to help children get through this traumatic experience. The Jefferson House also provides Group Home services to youth in the Fremont community who require intensive care and supervision to meet their physical, emotional and psychological needs.

Thanks to the donors who helped us remodel the Jefferson House. See the results.

 

Omaha Children’s Emergency Shelter

(Douglas & Sarpy Counties)

Our Omaha Children’s Emergency Shelter is designed to meet the need of the State to find placement for children at risk of abuse and neglect at a moments’ notice — often immediately after an investigation has been conducted and children have been removed from the home. The focus is on placing siblings, age birth to 18 years, in the same facility. While in this placement, the children’s emotional and physical needs are cared for while the authorities assess the level of potential risk of abuse and neglect in the home. Staff assists the State in reunifying the children with their families, or in recommending a protective placement for the children. The average length of stay is 30 days.

 

Parenting Education

Positive Parenting Groups (PPG)

These classes are for parents who want to learn more about the daily challenges of child-rearing. The curriculum consists of a 12-week series, alternating in emphasis among three areas: normal child development; healthy, positive methods of discipline; and anger management. A children’s program for ages birth through 12 years meets at the same time as the parent group. Groups meet once a week throughout the year, on Tuesdays or Thursdays. Families may join at any time and leave when they have met their goals. The total fee of $75 can be paid weekly ($6.50 per class). Offered at three locations in Omaha, including a Spanish-speaking group. Call (402) 552-7400 for more information.

Setting Limits

This course is open to anyone who wants to help children make acceptable choices about their behavior. Participants learn how to teach children to understand and learn from the consequences of their behavior. Parents, teachers, child care providers and others who interact with children and teens will learn to communicate rules and help children understand and accept boundaries. The workshop consists of seven weekly sessions and is offered several times during the year. Call (402) 552-7400 for more information.