Sinatra Children's Center

Founded in 1986 by Barbara and Frank Sinatra, the Barbara Sinatra Children's Center is widely acknowledged as a state-of-the-art haven for abused children. The not-for-profit facility provides individual and group therapy for young victims of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse.

BARBARA SINATRA CHILDREN'S CENTER
OFFERS SUPPORT FOR
ADULTS MOLESTED AS CHILDREN

From: Susan Reynolds
Executive Director

The Barbara Sinatra Children's Center (BSCC) at Eisenhower offers an Adults Molested as Children (AMAC) Support Group on Wednesdays from 4 pm to 5 pm at the Children's Center. AMAC brings together a group of adults who discuss issues related to having been molested as children.

"Often, these individuals have never spoken to anyone about their abuse and feel tremendously isolated and alone," explains BSCC clinician Maria LaRosa. "They may think they are the only person who experienced this horror as a child."

Most AMACs share common problems. The Barbara Sinatra Children's Center group discuss their daily struggles, experiences and how childhood abuse may have affected their adult lives. They share feelings about moving forward and other challenges. Adults who were molested as children often suffer from depression and have difficulty sustaining loving relationships. It is quite typical for people to be frightened and nervous about entering into adult, nurturing relationships. Participation in the AMAC group is open to the public and conducted by bilingual clinicians.

"Often adults who were molested as children feel that since their abuse happened many years ago, there is no point in them getting help," notes BSCC clinician Rosemary Marta. "We try to show them that emotional challenges and difficulties they may face are rooted in their abuse and can be overcome." Facing issues central to our daily lives, like trust and intimacy, can help build healthy relationships even at an advanced stage in life. The AMAC group provides an opportunity for adults to work through their anger and uncertainty.

"These people are very vulnerable, and talking about their experience as a victim of child abuse can be intimidating."

The Sinatra Center AMAC meetings provide allies and a connection to others who share similar feelings and experiences, often for the first time in their lives. The meetings allow members an opportunity to relate openly and intimately in a way they have never been able to before.

For more information on the AMAC Group or the Barbara Sinatra Children's Center, call 760-340-2336 or visit the Center's website at www.sinatracenter.org. The Center is located on the Eisenhower Medical Center campus at 39000 Bob Hope Drive in Rancho Mirage.

Barbara Sinatra is the driving force and inspiration behind the Barbara Sinatra Children's Center, which is considered a national model in the treatment of child sexual and physical abuse. Founded in 1986 by Frank and Barbara Sinatra, the Center is dedicated to breaking the cycle of abuse through programs of prevention, public education, and psychological treatment for victims and affected family members. The Center annually treats more than 700 young victims and their family members, 70 percent of whom are below poverty levels. For more information, visit www.sinatracenter.org.

Eisenhower Medical Center is a not-for-profit, comprehensive health care institution. The campus includes the 261-bed Eisenhower Memorial Hospital, the Betty Ford Center, the Barbara Sinatra Children's Center, and the Annenberg Center for Health Sciences. Situated on 120 acres in Rancho Mirage, the medical center has provided a full range of quality medical and educational services for 30 years for residents and visitors to the greater Coachella Valley.

COUNSELING CHILDHOOD DISORDERS:

Families in crisis are more likely than others to experience behaviors related to abuse; children with multiple problems are more predisposed to be victims of abuse. Parenting a child with problems is stressful, which could lead to abuse. In addition to providing services for already-identified abused children, the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center provides counseling to educate and prevent abuse. Children diagnosed with the following disorders can benefit from counseling, and, as appropriate, involving siblings and caregivers. Family and individual counseling reduces the potential for family abuse and improves the mental health and well being of the child.

• Diagnosed childhood problems can include:
• Issues of Grief/Loss/Bereavement
• Sleep Disturbances
• Attention Deficit Disorder
• Learning Disorders
• Childhood Depression and Anxiety
• Academic Underachievement
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Low Self-Esteem
• Divorce Reaction
• Blended Family Issues

* Tips for Parents *

Always listen very carefully to your Children.
Pay attention to your child’s appearance. Ask about scrapes, bruises, redness or injuries around the genitals.
Notice your child’s behavior. If your child’s behavior becomes aggressive or withdrawn, shows unusual fears of certain people, places, or has an unusual knowledge of sex, then ask questions and get professional help. Take these signs very seriously.
Teach your children how to protect themselves and set clear rules for them. Tell your kids why it is so important that they obey the rules.
Teach your children to trust their instincts.
They need to know that most adults ask other adults for help, directions, etc.
Know where your kids are and whom they are with.
Make sure your kids know they are the most important people in your life and you will always do your best to protect them.
Because you cannot be with child 24 hours a day, it’s a good idea to have a secret code word to let your child know whom he can go home with. If for some reason you are unable to pick up your child from school and you need to send a friend, give your friend the code word. Choose a word like toothpick or giraffe, a word that would not come up in a normal conversation. Do not use words like mommy, car, ice cream or candy.
Teach your kids their phone number and address.
Tell them it is okay to say no to an adult.
Remember that most child abusers are “ordinary” people.
Most child abusers are known and even loved by the children they abuse.
It is common for a child to be abused by a family member or a family friend than by a stranger.
Ask your children if they like their babysitter, doctor, relatives, etc., and why.
Don’t push them to give hugs or kisses or spend time alone with anyone they are not completely comfortable with.
If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, call the Child Protective Services or Family Service agencies in your area or call the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center at Eisenhower at (760) 340-2336. Report your concerns immediately. Call “911”if a child is in immediate dangerThe more you and your children know about sexual abuse, the better!

Adapted fom “Yes Touch No Touch” by Tammy Soares Beilstein