ChildBuilders™ was founded in 1974
as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Then called Can-Do-It,
we adopted the name Houston Advocates For Mental Health In
Children, or HAMIC, in 1996. Our present name was adopted
in October of 2000.
Our initial projects identified and helped
fill gaps in mental health services for children in the Houston
area. We were instrumental in the establishment of Cambio
House, Houston’s first residential facility for emotionally
disturbed children.
We also helped establish a psychiatric
residential treatment program at Cullen Bayou Place, and
implemented the first crisis beds at Hermann Hospital. ChildBuilders™ also
collaborated with Houston-Galveston Psychoanalytic Institute
in the creation of the Child Development Center, an innovative
therapeutic preschool.
After 16 years of service to the Houston community as a catalyst for mental health treatment services for children, we were ready for something different. In 1991, a new idea emerged which excited and energized the ChildBuilders™ Board of Directors- prevention.
The question was, "How can mental health problems in children be avoided? Better, is it possible to stop problems from beginning in the first place?" Historically, there are no required courses taught in school that work to prevent abuse/neglect before it occurs. That is why ChildBuilders™ decided to create a program that did just that, and in 1991, Parents Under
Construction™ was developed.
Today, ChildBuilders™ provides programs and trainings to ensure that children are respected, nurtured, and protected. Our programs teach children:
Browse our site to learn more about our programs! |
