Why KidsTLC?

KidsTLC provides children with a continuum of care through innovative and successful psychiatric treatment, outreach to homeless teens, outpatient behavioral health, autism and parent support programs. Services are focused on evidence-based therapies and trauma-informed care, with a strong emphasis on family wellness and preserving the family unit.

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; chaplaincy services; 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.

Vision

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

Mission

Transforming lives of children and families in our community.

Program Philosophy

Our symbol is the Phoenix, a mythical creature who arises from the ashes of its old life with renewed vigor to meet the challenges and possibilities of life’s next chapter. KidsTLC exists because every child deserves an opportunity to soar.

KidsTLC enriches the lives of children with autism, developmental disabilities, developmental trauma, and psychological issues. We create 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 the phoenix to rise 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.

Charity Navigator Recognition

KidsTLC is proud to receive a 4 Star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent evaluator of charities. This is KidsTLC’s 11th year in a row to receive this rating that fewer than 1% of charities evaluated receive.

*Charity Navigator’s highest 4-star rating indicates that KidsTLC adheres to sector best practices and executes its mission in a financially efficient way. Only 1% of the charities evaluated by Charity Navigator have received at least 11 consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that KidsTLC outperforms most other charities in America and demonstrates its trustworthiness to the public.

View Charity Navigator Rating Page

United Way Certification Letter

View our United Way Certification Letter to verify our status with the organization.