Our CAC Story
In 1995, Hope Haven opened its doors after years of planning and collaboration between the Hancock County Youth Court System and concerned citizens. The primary mission was to be an emergency shelter that housed children taken into care.
Hope Haven remained a shelter until Hurricane Katrina made landfall along the Mississippi Gulf Coast in August 2005. As we recovered from this devastating event, our mission evolved to become a Child Advocacy Center (CAC) serving children and families affected by trauma or neglect.
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As the only CAC agency serving Hancock and Pearl River Counties, Hope Haven provides immediate intervention services to children and families affected by traumatic events. Our organization specializes in providing forensic interviewing, family advocacy, counseling, child sex abuse prevention, and direct support to families in need.
Additionally, Hope Haven assembles a Multi-Disciplinary Team comprised of local law enforcement, child protective services, CASA, Youth Court, prosecution, and medical professionals to promote a strong collaborative effort to seek justice for affected children and their families. We have positioned ourselves as a community leader that serves to be the voice and advocate of abused and neglected children on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Mission Statement
Hope Haven Children's Advocacy Center is dedicated to helping children who are victims of sexual abuse and trauma. Hope Haven supports children and families each year through family advocacy programs that provide the necessary tools to respond to each child's unique needs following sexual abuse, severe physical abuse and neglect. Hope Haven collaborates with Law Enforcement, Child Protective Services and the District Attorney's office in the investigation and prosecution of child sexual and physical abuse cases.
Vision Statement
It is our vision to be a haven of recovery and a path to justice for children and their families who are victims of sexual and severe physical abuse.