Center for Alexandria's Children

The Center for Alexandria’s Children is working to END child abuse in the City of Alexandria.

As Alexandria’s Nationally Accredited Child Advocacy Center, we deliver evidence-based prevention, intervention, and education programs to respond to abuse, prevent future harm and equip adults to be protectors of childhood. 

Child abuse does not discriminate based on income, education, or ethnicity. 

• 1 in 4 children experienceabuseor neglect
• 2 out of 3 cases go unreported

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month - a time to raise awareness and shine a light on the reality of child abuse. For many of us, childhood brings cherished memories of safety, laughter, and love. But for too many children, those happy memories don’t exist. This month, we stand together to support every child’s right to a safe and nurturing childhood.

Join us today to Help Childhood Bloom. Your donation can help us double our impact.  If we raise $25,000 during Spring2ACTion, the Mason Hirst Foundation will match your donations with a $25,000 Matching Challenge Grant.  

What We Do:

• Intervention: We provide a safe, child-centered space for children who have experienced abuse or neglect to tell their story and begin a path to hope and healing. We coordinate the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT)of detectives, prosecutors, social workers, therapists, and medical professionals for each child to receive coordinated support- reducing trauma and ensuring they only have to tell their story once.
• Prevention: We facilitate specialized Learn&PlayGroups(TM) for parents and children ages 0-5 that build strong families and safe childhoods. Using play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum grounded in The Basics –five simple, science-based principles designed for brain-building- our experienced facilitators strengthenthe parent-child bond, promote protective factors that prevent abuse, and connect families to vital community resources.
• Education: We deliver evidence-based prevention education programs throughout the City of Alexandria to build a community of informed, empowered adults. Through Darkness to Light trainings, we teach parents, caregivers, educators, and community members how to prevent, recognize, and respond to child sexual abuse-creating safer environments where children can thrive.
• Crisis Support: In partnership with The Fund for Alexandria’s Child, ALX Closet offers children and families in need access to clothing, toiletries, and essential items – providing immediate support with dignity and care.

Alexandria's Multi-Disciplinary Team was named 2025 MDT of the Year.             Aida Raygada (LPG Facilitator) - Reading with Playgroup families.             Darkness to Light Training for Alexandria Health Dept. Nurses.            Clothing from our ALX Clothing Closet. Located at 4850 Mark Center Drive. 

Who We Are

The Center for Alexandria’s Children offers a child-friendly facility with specialized and trained staff to support children and families as they share their stories of abuse and move through the process of investigation, prosecution and treatment. We also facilitate specialized parent/child playgroups to bolster protective factors that make families stronger and children safer. Through a specially-designed curriculum based on weekly themes, our experienced facilitators connect parents and children, along with their neighbors and community, through developmentally appropriate, play-based learning. Additionally, the expert staff at the Center for Alexandria’s Children provides free training and resources to keep Alexandria’s kids safe.

The Center for Alexandria’s Children is the only safe place for children and families to come for help, protection and connection. Thank you for your support! It ensures that we are able to meet the needs of children and families in the City of Alexandria.