Kids' Space
Lake Area United Way fights for the education, health, and financial stability of everyone in our community. We fight for Kara* and we win because Kids' Space gives her a chance to recover from trauma and be successful in life.
Kara came to our center after being sexually abused by a neighbor. She received a forensic interview and a medical well-child exam. Our law enforcement partners were able to use information obtained during the interview and exam to assist them in interrogating the alleged perpetrator and as a result, the offender made incriminating statements, which corroborated the victim's disclosure. They were also able to obtain search warrants that led to further corroborating evidence. The alleged perpetrator was successfully prosecuted and sentenced to 45 years in prison for his crimes. Sadly, this was not Kara's first time to be victimized. She had previously been in the state's custody for other abuse and neglect issues and was once again removed from her home, due to her parents' failure to protect. She was placed in a foster home and later moved to an adoptive home and her adoption was finalized last year. She has received therapy services and is thriving in her home with her adoptive parents. During her case, her child welfare worker with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services and her advocate with Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children collaborated with Kids' Space to ensure that Kara's best interests were represented and she received safety, permanency, and well-being. The collaborative approach facilitated by our Multidisciplinary Team helped achieve these positive outcomes for Kara and our community.
For more information visit: www.lakeareaunitedway.org/funded-partners-health
*Names are changed to protect clients identity.