Research reflects a strong link between exposure to trauma and depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder in children and youth. In the District, children and youth are exposed to multiple traumas/difficult experiences including violent deaths, domestic violence, incarcerated caregivers, and community violence. C.H.I.L.D. is a holistic program of mental health services that represents a continuum of care for children and youth impacted by violence, trauma, grief and loss. Children are viewed in the context of family and community, and services are provided in office and community-based settings. Wendt Center clinicians employ verbal and non-verbal evidence-based, age-appropriate interventions, including art and play therapy, sand-tray, and other techniques.


C.H.I.L.D. offers the following services
Individual and group counseling at our Northwest and Southeast offices. Groups are offered for children at our Northwest office for ages 7-18.
Resilient Scholars Project, providing group and individual counseling at school- and community-based locations throughout the District to children who have experienced at least one traumatic event.
Crisis response at schools, community centers, and other locations to help children who have been traumatized by acts of community violence or disaster.
Commemorative community healing events for families and communities impacted by loss, such as candlelight vigils.
Grief camp (Camp Forget-Me-Not/Camp Erin DC), a therapeutic sleep-away weekend camp for children and youth grieving the loss of a loved one.
Volunteer support, including mentoring for children and parents.
Information, education on topics related to child trauma, and referrals provided via intake coordinator and at both office locations, as well as the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME), where the Center’s RECOVER program is located. Parents coming to the OCME meet with RECOVER clinicians and receive comprehensive information and resources to help their children cope with traumatic loss.
Training and education of providers and the public on issues relating to childhood trauma and loss. Wendt Center teams of therapists and graduate interns provide training or consultation to local schools, community centers, and other social service agencies throughout the metro areal, including consultation to facilitate on-site support for children.
Professional Training by senior staff clinicians to any mental health professional interested in providing individual or group grief counseling services to children and teens.