Why KidsTLC? - KidsTLC

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KidsTLC transforms the lives of children and families experiencing mental and behavioral health challenges, developmental trauma, and autism. KidsTLC implements a variety of evidence-based and researched best practices in our clinical services and treatment planning. Since 2016, KidsTLC has additionally committed to embedding, embodying and enacting the principles of Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, Practice and Parenting (DDP) in order to create supportive, family-focused therapeutic teams that build resilient, trusting relationships. We understand that we have the opportunity to create a culture and climate of belonging and healing by relating with all people we encounter in safe, open and engaged ways. Through therapeutic teams, trusting relationships, and a healing environment, we aspire to transform painful realities into hopeful futures full of courage and joy.

KidsTLC continues to respond to the growing needs of children in the Kansas City Metro area by adding critically needed services that fill community gaps and alleviate wait times for families to receive care. Programs help children heal on all levels through innovative therapeutic treatment philosophies; expressive therapies such as art, play and music therapy; and through a wealth of opportunities to improve the physical health of clients including the movement towards integrating our mental health services with local health clinics that provide physical health services, increased nutrition/wellness education, and opportunities for physical exercise.

History

KidsTLC was founded in 1972 by the Johnson County Young Matrons to fulfill an unmet need for an emergency shelter for abused and neglected children. Over the years, KidsTLC’s mission has expanded as we have stepped forward to further help children and youth in crisis. From its beginning, KidsTLC has responded to community needs by implementing new programs to meet them.

Constitution

Click here to view the KidsTLC Constitution, which defines the fundamental values that govern our character, attitudes and actions. It is available in both English and Spanish!

Mission

KidsTLC exists to transform the lives of children and families experiencing mental and behavioral health challenges, developmental trauma and autism.

Vision

The Vision of KidsTLC is that children, youth and their families will live fulfilled and enriched lives.

Program Philosophy

KidsTLC enriches the lives of children with autism, developmental disabilities, developmental trauma, and psychological issues. In addition to a variety of evidence-based and researched best practices in our clinical services and treatment planning, we use a Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, Practice and Parenting (DDP) approach to create a culture characterized by its warm, welcoming, and safe connections. That culture generates and nurtures supportive family-focused communities to build resilient relationships, and to transform sometimes painful realities into hopeful futures full of courage, warmth, and joy.

We look beyond a child’s behaviors to uncover the underlying dynamics of what’s happening: Is the child trying to meet a need or solve a problem? Is there an issue that arises at a certain stage in development? What is happening physically – in their brain, hormones, and nervous system? Does the child have all the skills needed to manage the situation? Can he or she form a trusting and collaborative relationship with caregivers? Are traumatic experiences coloring how children perceive the possibilities for help and safety around them?

Our understanding of the bigger picture surrounding a child’s behavior guides our recommendations, plans, and actions. Because we care about children, our programs only utilize practices that are science and evidence-based to further their lives in meaningful and purposeful ways. We encourage success by acting to accomplish these goals:

We help children to feel safe with their experiences, memories and key relationships.
We help them to understand and manage their emotions, impulses and reactions.
We help them to put their feelings and needs into words.
We help them understand and value themselves and others.
We help them feel more in charge of themselves, advocate for their needs, and be able to accomplish goals that are satisfying to them.
We support parents in their quest to understand and connect with their children more deeply.
We help parents become trust-builders and skill-builders for their children.
We help parents get the care, support, training and backing they need to stay engaged with their children for the long haul.