Snohomish County Resilience Builder
Dawson Place Child Advocacy Center
Building Resilience After Trauma
In the heart of Everett, Dawson Place Child Advocacy Center stands as a pioneering force in healing childhood trauma. Through their deep understanding of childhood development and unwavering commitment to trauma-informed care, they provide comprehensive support to children who have experienced abuse or neglect.
Children begin their visit in the soothing “fish room,” a space specially designed to help them feel welcome, safe, and comfortable.
A Safe and Compassionate Space for Comprehensive Support
When a child’s world has been rocked by uncertainty or violence, they need a safe haven. Dawson Place provides exactly that, with the professional staff doing everything possible to protect children, minimize re-traumatization, and maximize healing. Under one roof, every service needed for victims of child sexual assault, physical abuse, and neglect comes together through a coordinated effort of five partner agencies. Services are available in English and Spanish at no cost, removing barriers that might keep survivors from getting the help they deserve.
The magic happens in the details of how children are supported. Child interview specialists work alongside therapy dogs to help children disclose their trauma in the least stressful way possible. Children are listened to with care in ways that support their healing journey and help them feel acknowledged and valued. To minimize trauma, children typically tell their story just once, with that interview captured on video with their knowledge. This coordinated approach with informed consent extends to every aspect of care, from safety planning and mental health assessments to medical evaluations, therapy, and legal assistance.
Colorful sticky hands dot the ceiling in the medical exam room, each one thrown by a child who visited Dawson Place. These playful toys become powerful symbols — when a fearful child glances upward, she sees the many hands silently saying, “You’re not alone.”
Something Special: Therapy Dogs
At the center of Dawson Place’s welcoming and calming atmosphere are two special team members: Georgia and Redwood, the center’s therapy dogs. These four-legged professionals bring an extraordinary element to the healing process. Therapy dogs provide more than just comfort and affection – they help reduce anxiety and profoundly calm the nervous system. For children dealing with trauma, these canine companions can help reduce symptoms of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety, creating a bridge to healing that sometimes words alone cannot build.
Therapy dogs Georgia (left) and Redwood (right) work alongside staff, providing gentle comfort and helping children feel calmer during their visit.
Building Resilience Through Early Intervention
Dawson Place is more than a vital resource—it’s a place where trauma transforms into hope, justice, and healing, and children begin to discover their capacity for resilience. Through early intervention, children can develop the coping skills and emotional strength they need not just to survive but to thrive. By protecting children from re-traumatization while maximizing support, Dawson Place helps transform difficult experiences into building blocks for emotional strength. Children learn they can overcome challenges, that they deserve support, and that healing is possible.
Handmade quilts fill the shelves, each one waiting to be chosen. Every child who visits Dawson Place selects their own special quilt – a warm embrace of comfort and care to take home.
At a Glance: Dawson Place
Who they serve: Children and adolescents in Snohomish County who are victims of physical abuse, sexual assault, neglect, drug endangerment, or have witnessed violent crimes. They also support non-offending family members and caregivers.
What they provide: A comprehensive range of services aimed at ensuring safety, seeking justice, and facilitating healing for young victims.
Cost: Services at no cost to child abuse victims in Snohomish County and their non-offending family members. This includes medical examinations, mental health therapy, victim advocacy, and other support services.