History

Center for Child Counseling began as a grassroots effort in 1997, when the organization’s founder, Jane Robinson, was completing a fellowship in early childhood and play. Through experience, observations, and conversations in local childcare centers, she quickly recognized the need for mental health services for young children, who were being expelled from childcare centers at alarming rates for behaviors that had roots in trauma and exposure to adversity

The organization was founded in 1999 to address this need, with the vision for 'community capacity building through support and training for childcare workers, parents, and caregivers on effective strategies to address children's behaviors and trauma

In 2013, Renée Layman joined the organization as CEO, expanding the organization's impact through talented staff, deep partnerships, innovative programs, strong leadership, and diverse funding streams At the core of the organization's work is using a trauma-informed equity lens, reducing barriers and disparities to accessing quality care while building trusting, safe, and nurturing relationships and environments that promote each individual's capacity to heal, grow, and thrive

For the past twenty-four years Center for Child Counseling has been at the forefront of infant and early childhood mental health in Palm Beach County, moving forward innovation, education, and positive change for the most vulnerable babies and young children The organization has provided awareness on the research intersection between neurobiology, behavioral psychology, and program implementation through formal training of thousands of mental health and pediatric students and professionals.

Over the course of this time, the organization's programming has evolved through research, experience, and feedback from families, caregivers, and the community Embedded within childcare centers, schools, and partner organizations in Palm Beach County, therapists and interns become a part of the fabric of each community, working collaboratively to promote resilience, mental health, and overall well-being for children and families

Through integration in the communities served, programming aims to stop the intergenerational cycle of abuse and violence; prevent mental and physical health concerns that may develop as a result of ACEs and trauma; eliminate racial and ethnic barriers to accessing quality early intervention and treatment; and building awareness and the capacity of each community to address ACEs in a trauma-informed approach.

In 2021, Center for Child Counseling served over 7,000 children through its programs and provided education for over 4,000 professionals and caregivers In response to the pandemic, the organization reimagined its work In October 2021, in partnership with partnership with Palm Beach Pediatrics, the organization launched a Pediatric Integration Program to ensure that children, adolescents, and their families receive mental health screening and care through delivery of an array of services within the primary care setting

Center for Child Counseling has been recognized for excellence in programming, including being the recipient of the 2005 National Easter Seals Award of Excellence, 2008 Blue Foundation Sapphire Award, and the 2018 Hats Off Nonprofit of the Year

Organizational Goals

Improve the social-emotional wellness of children, parents, and adult caregivers by providing an array of prevention, early intervention, and mental health services

Improve caregivers' use of positive, trauma-informed skills and strategies while strengthening their ability to provide an environment that promotes healthy outcomes for children

Provide education for mental health and pediatric professionals, teachers, and adult caregivers on effective clinical models, skills, and strategies for working with children and families