Children & Youth

kids standing in front of a set of school lockers
Shaping Strong Foundations: Teenagers’ Self-Esteem

Self-esteem is a fundamental aspect of a teenager’s mental and emotional well-being. It shapes how they view themselves, interact with others, and navigate the challenges of adolescence and growing up. Mistakes will be made along the way that are both in and out of their control. We as adults need…

three wooden figures symbolizing a mom and dad on eith side of a see saw with a child representation in the middle
Children of Divorce: The Importance of Counseling

July is National Child-Centered Divorce Month, and we are reminded that the impact of divorce reaches way beyond the parents going their separate ways. While it is a challenging and life-altering event for everyone involved, no one is impacted more than kids. When it comes to children of divorce, there…

1st July Blog - Empowering Youth - Feature - Final
The Importance of Empowering Youth

Empowering youth means providing the necessary tools, opportunities, and support to develop a sense of confidence that they will use throughout their lives. This foundation is imperative not only for their personal development but for the communities as well. Supported, educated, and informed children grow to become inspired and capable…

foster care letters
Raising Awareness for National Foster Care Month

In 2019, over 672,000 children spent time in U.S. foster care. May is National Foster Care Month, a time dedicated to bringing awareness to the growing number of children requiring support and the professionals who help youth find permanent homes. EAC Network strives to improve the lives of foster care…

court appointed special advocates
Court Appointed Special Advocates Lead Foster Children to a Brighter Future

Did you know that the average amount of time young people spend in the foster care system in New York State is over 18 months? During these long months, many of those in foster care do not have natural supports systems in place. To fulfill this unmet need, EAC Network’s Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) act in the best interests of young people in foster care in Nassau and Suffolk counties as they transition into permanent housing.

youth mentoring program
A Suffolk County Youth Mentoring Program Empowers Trauma Survivors

Due to increased gang presence in Suffolk County, the commercial sexual exploitation of children has become a growing epidemic on the East End of Long Island. This social problem has created a pressing need for additional support services for young people who have been impacted by or are at risk of commercial sexual exploitation. Safe Harbour Mentoring, an EAC Network program, works on the frontlines, making a difference in the lives of young people in our communities. Learn more about this solution-based youth mentoring program and find out what you can do to help.

human trafficking prevention month
Why We #WearBlue for National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, observed during January, is dedicated to raising public awareness about human trafficking, which continues to be a major problem in America — even in 2022. In Suffolk County, our Safe Harbour program has been protecting and caring for children who are at-risk or have been sexually exploited since 2014. This month, take a moment to learn about this EAC Network program and how you can help us raise awareness about this important issue.

child passenger safety
Child Passenger Safety: Car Seats Save Lives When Used Correctly

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) primary goal for child passenger safety is to make sure all parents and caregivers are correctly using the right car seats (rear-facing car seats, forward-facing car seats, or booster seats) or seat belts for their children’s ages and sizes.

purposeful parenting
LIPI Promotes the Pillars of Purposeful Parenting

For many at-risk Suffolk County children, the Long Island Parenting Institute (LIPI) is the bridge that connects them to a brighter future. Through evidence-based curricula and tools, LIPI teaches, supports, and empowers vulnerable Long Island children who have been abused or neglected. During National Purposeful Parenting Month, we highlight the positive impact LIPI has in underserved communities on Long Island.

mural of resilience
Child Advocacy Center (CAC) Creates Powerful Mural of Resilience

Every April, the Child Advocacy Center recognizes National Child Abuse Prevention Month by strengthening connections with the Suffolk County community. Acknowledging the uniqueness of the last year, the CAC sought to create a tangible community-wide project that reflects today’s challenges. This year’s project — a collection of feathers adorned with messages of resilience — empowers youth to persevere in times of crisis.

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