Garth House - Mickey Mehaffy Children's Advocacy Program, Inc.

Over sixteen years ago, the incredible need for a Child Advocacy Center in our area, and surrounding communities, was recognized. Through a tremendous community effort involving many different groups and individuals, the dream became a reality. The Garth House opened its door in June of 1991, and has provided a safe and secure environment to interview alleged victims of severe physical and/or sexual abuse. The Garth House, Mickey Mehaffy Children's Advocacy Program was named in memory of former Jefferson County Assistant District Attorney Mickey Mehaffy, recognizing her personal endeavors to enrich the lives of Southeast Texas Children.

Since its opening in 1991, the Garth House has worked with over 11,400 children and their families. The children have a safe home-like environment to tell their stories, which are digitally recorded so investigative agencies can view the DVD’s instead of repeatedly questioning the children. Teddy bears, kindness, and smiles surround hurting, sad children. The Garth House also provides counseling to help children and non-offending family members deal with their situation and begin the healing process. The Garth House is dedicated to breaking the cycle of child abuse one child at a time.

WE CAN'T CHANGE WHAT HAPPENED,
BUT WE HAVE CHANGED WHAT HAPPENS NEXT…

Our Services

Professionals provide their services to the child at a single location.
A DVD is made of each interview. The DVD is available to the agencies involved, thus reducing the number of times the child must tell his/her story.
Law enforcement officers, the District Attorney’s Office, and Child Protective Services may use the digitally recorded interview in the criminal or civil proceedings.
Weekly meetings are held so agencies can review and follow cases. Thus the communication and cooperation between the partner agencies is greatly improved.
Statistical information about physical and sexual abuse is gathered.
Counseling is provided for child victims and their non-offending family members.

Our Goals

To provide a safe and secure environment for the alleged child victim.
To reduce the number of interviews the child must endure.
To educate others that this is a real problem that affects our entire community.
To become an influence for the prevention of child abuse.
To promote emotional healing.

Our Funding

The Garth House was established in part by grants from the Junior League of Beaumont, Inc., Holy Family Sisters Alumni, H.E. & Kate Dishman Charitable Trust, and B.A. & Elinor Steinhagen Benevolent Trust and was originally administered by Catholic Charities. The Garth House is now an independent 501(c)3 organization.

The program is funded in part by Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas, Inc., and National Children’s Alliance.