Unbelievable, but true: 9 to 14 percent of children from birth to 5 years of age experience depression, anxiety or some other social and emotional problem that negatively effects their functioning and development.
Whether the condition is brought on by mistreatment, trauma or is just part of the child’s DNA, the result can be the same: Without proper treatment, some of our youngest community members face a bleak future.
That’s where a program like KidSCope fits in. We offer a range of services to improve the lives of children who have or may be at risk of a mental or developmental disability. We run two inclusive five-star development day programs – the Children’s Learning Center in Hillsborough and the Chatham Child Development Center in Siler City.
We also train teachers, physicians and other early-childhood professionals to recognize the warning signs of mental or developmental disabilities and to work with those in their care. On average, KidSCope staff work with 600 families, children and service providers each year in both Orange and Chatham counties.
I’ve worked in children’s mental health for 23 years. I’ve seen what happens when families have to travel this road alone and what happens when they receive the wraparound support our community is fortunate to provide. Join me in celebrating Children’s Mental Health Month and supporting those who care for children and families in need.
Linda Foxworth
Director of KidSCope
Hillsborough