Georgia Conference on Child Abuse Prevention

For decades, child abuse prevention efforts have recognized the critical role of mental health support for caregivers—yet traditional referral-based counseling models often fail to engage the families who need services most. This workshop presents a 20-year journey of developing an innovative, community-based counseling model within a child abuse prevention agency that dramatically increases engagement and retention among high-risk families.

Originating from the recognition that families faced multiple barriers—including lack of insurance, transportation challenges, childcare needs, intimidation, and systemic distrust—this model reimagines access to care. By embedding counseling services directly within the agency and addressing practical and emotional barriers (including in-home therapy, minimal paperwork, transportation support, childcare, and no-cost services), the program achieved a 90% initial visit retention rate compared to 50% for traditional external referrals.

Participants will explore the development, implementation, and outcomes of this model, including lessons learned over two decades. The session will highlight how reducing barriers is not ancillary—but central—to effective intervention.