The Child Abuse Treatment (CHAT) Program provides intensive therapeutic counseling services, on an outpatient basis, to children, under 18 years of age, who have been a victim of a crime.
The CHAT Program is designed to meet the needs of underserved children including those who are dependents of the court, in the child welfare system, who are non-English speaking, with disabilities, of racial or ethnic minorities, and/or residing in rural or crime-ridden poverty stricken areas.
What are the Qualifying Criteria to be able to receive treatment services under the CHAT Program?
This program is for children, under the age of 18, who have been a victim of any of the following crimes or situations:
- physical abuse
- sexual abuse
- sexual exploitation
- financial exploitation
- emotional abuse
- neglect
- domestic violence
- exposure to parental substance abuse
- school or community violence
- abduction
- trauma
- child victims of terrorist acts
Where are services provided?
CHAT services at Comprehensive Youth Services include individual counseling services (assessment and treatment) for the child and are provided at the agency’s Main Office/Clinical Facility at 4545 N. West Avenue in Fresno.
Often a referral is made to the local Victim/Witness Assistance Center to assist clients in filing for compensation of services and preparation in judicial proceedings.
How do I make a referral for this service?
If you would like to make a referral or would like more information regarding the CHAT Program please contact:
Jim Pryce, LCSW at (559) 229-3561.
The CHAT Program at Comprehensive Youth Services is supported with federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Grant Program funds and is managed by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), Criminal Justice/Emergency Management & Victim Services Branch, Children’s Unit. Services are targeted to children who do not have access to treatment services due to non-availability of services, lack of resources, and/or non-eligibility for other programs or services.