About Us
The Meaning Behind the Name
During a trip to Hawaii, Donna was inspired by the resilience of sea turtles, seeing them as symbols of strength against life’s challenges. Similarly, dandelions, a favorite flower among children, endure by regrowing no matter how often they’re cut down. When their seeds float on the wind, they carry wishes of new beginnings. Together, these symbols of hope and perseverance became the name Dandelion Turtles.
Our Services
We strive to provide every survivor the services that are needed to help them recover from the trauma, regain their lives, and live without fear, helping to break the cycle of exploitation and ensure children grow up in safety and security.
Trauma-Informed Comprehensive Clinical Assessment (TICCA)
These assessments are conducted by specially trained therapists for children aged 17 and under who have experienced trauma. Depending on the severity of the trauma, each assessment takes between 10 to 20 hours to complete. This assessment includes:
-
- Interviews with the child, caregivers, and involved professionals to best understand the child’s needs and experiences.
- Diagnostic assessments for potential mental health issues like PTSD, anxiety, depression, and substance use.
- Evaluations focused on strengths within the child, family, and community to incorporate resilience factors into the treatment plan and placement recommendations as needed.
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
TF-CBT is a structured, short-term treatment designed to help children and teens recover from trauma in approximately 28-30 sessions. TF-CBT helps address trauma-related effects like depression, anxiety, and behavioral issues, while also supporting parents or caregivers in managing their own stress, building positive parenting skills, and strengthening their bond with the child.
Trauma-Informed Equine-Assisted Therapy
Equine therapy offers a gentle way for victims to build confidence, trust, and emotional resilience through interactions with horses. Through caring for and connecting with the animals, children can develop communication skills, patience, and a renewed sense of control, all within a nurturing environment.
Family/Relational Therapy
Non-offending parents and caregivers learn practical parenting strategies to support their child’s needs at home after leaving our program. We offer different therapy options for families to choose from, helping them find the best fit to overcome any challenges to success.
Psycho-educational and Support Groups
We offer groups focused on teaching practical skills that can benefit everyone, like managing stress, understanding healthy versus unhealthy relationships, and setting strong boundaries. Additionally, we provide dedicated support groups for parents and caregivers, acknowledging the emotional impact and challenges they face when learning their child has been affected by sexual exploitation.
Additional Resources Include
- Medical and Legal Advocacy
- Secure Transportation
- Safety Planning
- Organization Referrals
- Case Management
Therapy Dog – Coming Soon!
Therapy dogs bring comfort and calm to children who have experienced trauma. Their gentle presence helps ease anxiety and lift spirits, creating a safe space for healing and building trust through unconditional affection.
24-Hour Crisis Line
Coming Soon!