How the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery Protects Children and Strengthens Families

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month - a time to reflect on the importance of protecting children and supporting vulnerable families. At the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery, this mission is at the core of everything we do. Committed to the prevention of child abuse and neglect for 39 years, the Crisis Nursery envisions a world where every child can live in a safe, loving home in which they can thrive and reach their full potential.

The reality is that many families in our community face significant challenges that threaten child safety and well-being. Poverty, homelessness, lack of access to basic necessities, home and community violence, and parental mental health struggles create immense stress that can make it difficult for parents to care for their children. Last year, 95% of the children we served lived below the poverty level, and more than one-third experienced homelessness in the past year. Without a strong support system, many parents struggle to find help when they need it most, which leaves families vulnerable and places children at risk.

A Lifeline for Families in Crisis

Our programs are designed to provide immediate relief and long-term support, ensuring that children are safe and families are empowered to build brighter futures. Here’s how we make a difference:

24-Hour Helpline & 24/7 Crisis Care

Our 24-Hour Helpline is a lifeline for parents in distress, offering immediate crisis intervention and resource referrals. When a child’s safety is at risk, we provide emergency respite care for children from birth to age 12, providing nurturing, therapeutic care while their parents work through challenges.

Children who stay at the Crisis Nursery, typically for 1-3 days, receive more than a safe place to sleep. They benefit from developmental assessments, medical exams, therapeutic services (including Art, Play, and Music Therapy), Occupational Therapy, nutritious meals and snacks, and take-home food and hygiene supplies to meet basic needs and ease the burdens on struggling families. Their parents receive crisis intervention and case management services at intake and discharge, which includes assessing the parent’s needs, setting goals with them, and providing targeted resource referrals to address the crisis and ensure their children can safely return home.

Empowering Parents & Strengthening Families

A child’s well-being is deeply connected to the stability of their family. For families needing additional support beyond their Nursery stay, we offer The Family Empowerment Program & Latinx Outreach Program, which provide:

In-home, in-office, or community-based support in English and Spanish
Immediate crisis intervention to ensure family safety
Strength-Based parent education & counseling to promote resilience and build stability
Case management services to help families access essential resources

Healing Hearts: Addressing Trauma & Building Resilience

Many children arrive at the Crisis Nursery carrying the weight of distressing or traumatic experiences. Our Healing Hearts Program provides Art, Play, and Music Therapy for children at the Nursery, giving them the tools they need to process emotions, develop positive coping skills, and build self-esteem. Additionally, Occupational Therapy evaluations and interventions from our on-site Occupational Therapist help identify and address developmental concerns to ensure that children receive the support they need beyond their stay.

Proven Impact, Brighter Futures

Our commitment to protecting children from abuse and neglect is backed by tangible results:

99% of children who visit the Crisis Nursery remain free from abuse and neglect with their families intact
95% of parents report reduced stress levels after engaging with our services

By providing children with a safe haven and parents with essential support, we are changing the trajectory of families in crisis—one child, one family, one future at a time.

Join Us in Protecting Children

Preventing child abuse requires a community effort. Whether you choose to donate, volunteer, or spread awareness, your support helps us continue this critical work. Together, we can ensure that every child has the chance to thrive!

Learn more, get involved, or seek support through our website: crisisnurserykids.org