Our History

Founded in 1977 by a dedicated group of physicians, nurses, and social workers, Child Enrichment was created to address the critical shortage of resources for abused children in the Augusta, Georgia, area. In 1978, the organization launched its first service—an emergency shelter—to provide immediate support for these vulnerable children. Over time, Child Enrichment expanded its offerings to help children overcome trauma and rebuild their lives.

In 1986, the Augusta Child Advocacy Center was established with the goal of preventing the re-victimization of children during abuse investigations. Recognizing the potential to offer a more comprehensive range of services, the Board of Directors for both organizations made the strategic decision to merge in 1995. This merger strengthened our ability to address the complex needs of the children we serve.

In 2017, Child Enrichment expanded further, opening an office in Thomson to serve children in McDuffie, Warren, Wilkes, Lincoln, Taliaferro, and Glascock counties. In 2023, we celebrated a milestone with the opening of a state-of-the-art facility in Augusta, made possible through the community's support. This new facility enables us to reach more children and significantly reduce wait times, ensuring timely access to the critical services they need.

Our Mission

Child Enrichment's mission is to provide comprehensive intervention, advocacy, and prevention services to support the safety and well-being of children in the Greater Augusta area. Through specialized programs, we ensure that every child who has experienced abuse has a voice and access to the resources needed for a safe, bright future.

Our Vision

A future where every child in our community lives in a safe, nurturing environment, free from abuse and neglect.

Our Values

CARE

Child - Centered                                                                                                                  Appreciation for Diversity                                                                                                      Respect                                                                                                                                            Encouraging Collaboration

Child Advocacy Center

The Child Advocacy Center is accredited by the National Children's Alliance and provides Forensic Interviewing of children suspected of having been physically or sexually abused. The Augusta Child Advocacy Center was established in 1986, and our Thomson CAC opened to serve the Toombs Judicial Circuit in December 2017. Expert court testimony and court advocacy for the victim are provided when alleged perpetrators are charged with abuse against children. Counseling for the victims, their siblings, and non-offending caregivers is provided free of charge. Last year, 824 children received these services, along with 486 of their family members.

Starting October 1, 2020, CACGA (The Children's Advocacy Centers of Georgia) is managing a 24/7 CSEC (Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children) hotline to provide information to coordinate emergency services for youth who may be a victim of exploitation or trafficking. As an accredited member of CACGA, we assumed responsibility for our community's response to child trafficking. Our area is a designated "hotspot" in the state, and we have a staff member assigned to comprehensive CSEC advocacy.

Court Appointed Special Advocates

(CASA) Program

The Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program recruits, trains, supervises, and coordinates community volunteers to speak up for abused and neglected children in the foster care system. These volunteers are carefully screened, undergo background checks, and receive over 40 hours of specialized training to learn skills necessary to advocate for children in juvenile court proceedings to help determine permanent placement.   The CASA program in Augusta was established in 1994, and it expanded to the Toombs Judicial Circuit in July of 2019.

Child Enrichment CASA Volunteers served 383 children just last year. CASA volunteers also work closely with social service agencies to ensure that the educational, medical, psychological, and emotional needs of these children are met. A primary goal of CASA is that children will be placed in a safe and stable home as quickly as possible.