75 Orphanage Road
Fort Mitchell, KY 41017
Equine Therapy for Victims of Child Abuse and Neglect
DCCH Center for Children and Families is a multi-faceted agency in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky. It operates a Residential Treatment Program for children ages six through 14 who are survivors of abuse and neglect. DCCH Center also offers Therapeutic Foster Care services and an Outpatient Therapy Center serving individuals and families in the Greater Cincinnati area. Behavioral therapy is critical for children in the Residential Treatment program, and therapists utilize a variety of treatment modalities to help them address their traumas in a constructive manner. One modality especially suited to victims of abuse is equine therapy. The Dater Foundation grant was made to continue offering equine therapy to its 40 residents, as well as provide food, tack, and veterinary care for our horses. DCCH Behavioral Therapists report that children enjoy spending time with the horses, which has increasd their progress in therapy sessions, built trust, and helped them cope with their feelings.
In 2018-19, the Program was delayed while DCCH Administration sought a new Equine Program Coordinator. The Program was put on hiatus for a period of time until a new Program Coordinator was hired. The Program resumed regular sessions at the end of March. A new PATH-certified instructor is on board and working with DCCH Staff and Administration to determine the final structure of the Program. While Administration recognizes the clear benefits of equine therapy for our Residents, due to level of trauma they have survived some are not candidates for participation until other acute issues are resolved. Going forward, Residents who show progress toward initial therapeutic goals will be offered the opportunity to participate. DCCH Staff and Therapists have determined, based on our unique population, offering Equine Therapy in this way will deliver the greatest opportunities for success.
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