The Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of Kauai

Welcome to our website!

Who we are

The Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of Kauai (or “FCJC – Kauai”) is a small non-profit organization whose mission is:

To aid Kauai’s abused and neglected youth and support the work of the Children’s Justice Center.

Founded as a 501 (c) (3) in 1991, the Friends was originally known as the Friends of the Children’s Advocacy Center. Governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and staffed with a part-time employee, the Friends has been helping children who experienced sexual or physical abuse or severe neglect for the past 14 years.

Why do we do it?

Our “Girl on a Swing” says it all: It shouldn’t hurt to be a child.
Many (but not all) children who have been abused or neglected may be removed to foster care, if the abuse occurred in their homes. Because the abuse might have taken place over a long period of time before it was reported, these children may show many symptoms of post-traumatic stress, including nightmares, distrust, depression, mismanaged anger and loneliness. Often they begin to have trouble concentrating on their schoolwork, and their grades may suffer. They may become withdrawn and unable to make friends.

How do we do it?

We believe that abused children should have every opportunity to experience the richness of a “normal” childhood. So, we raise funds to assist abused children by providing food and clothing, medical and dental care, therapy and counseling. Just as significant, however, are the opportunities we provide for children to participate in athletics and recreation, art and cultural experiences, education and social events.

The range of opportunities we fund include such things as tutoring, hula classes, karate, fees for Pop Warner or soccer leagues, athletic gear, senior class photos, summer camp, “ropes” challenge courses, bicycles and art supplies. We also assist children with airfare and travel costs to visit supportive family members away from Kauai, or to travel for education and fun with their foster brothers and sisters to another island or the mainland.

But that’s not all we do!

The FCJC also works in the Kauai community to prevent child abuse. We do this through educational activities and community presentations, with a newsletter and this website. Please click on our topics or links for further information.

An unusual “partnership"

The Children’s Justice Center is part of the Hawaii State Judiciary system. The Center coordinates investigations of child abuse and provides a safe location where children can be interviewed when there is a substantial allegation of physical or sexual abuse.

The non-profit Friends of the CJC provides toys, clothing and snacks for children who come through the Center. We also give funding for the highly-specialized training that child abuse investigators need. And we work to assure that the Center is a cheerful, child-friendly and welcoming environment.