PLYMOUTH — For her compassion and being “a champion for children” as an advocate for those who are victims of sexual abuse and exploitation, a social worker at the Mission Kids Child Advocacy Center received a commendation from Montgomery County’s top law enforcement officer.
Clare Henderson, who has worked for Mission Kids since 2016, received the special recognition on May 21 during District Attorney Kevin R. Steele’s annual law enforcement commendation ceremony at the county Public Safety Training Campus in Plymouth Township.
“Ms. Henderson has dedicated her entire career to helping children in Montgomery County,” said Steele, adding that before she worked with Mission Kids, Henderson was an intake caseworker and then a supervisor with the county Office of Children and Youth.
“In short, Clare is a champion for children, and her compassion for those who struggle with trauma and abuse is unwavering. I am pleased to recognize your work, Ms. Henderson, and present you with this district attorney’s civilian commendation,” Steele said as he presented Henderson with the commendation, which was followed by applause from Henderson’s colleagues and other spectators.
The Mission Kids Child Advocacy Center, which officially opened its doors in 2009, was created by the collaborative effort of the district attorney, the police chiefs of Montgomery County, and the county Office of Children and Youth to stop the life cycle of abuse and improve the outcomes for abused children and their families.
Mission Kids, a 501(c)(3) corporation, serves as a child-friendly facility where medical professionals, social workers, police officers and attorneys come together to streamline the investigative process and provide victims with the necessary support services to help them heal.
At Mission Kids, Henderson is the liaison between children and the multi-disciplinary team partners involved in their cases, as well as the advocate for the children.
“Ms. Henderson takes a hands-on approach, often going out with police so she can meet these children at their first interaction with law enforcement when the kids are in a situation where they are being exploited and trafficked,” Steele said. “She then visits traumatized children throughout our county and develops relationships and builds trust with them.
“So many of these children have been let down and exploited by the adults in their lives, so building trust isn’t easy, but they come to learn that they can reach out to Clare because she truly cares about them and really cares what happens to them. Ms. Henderson is often the person they rely on to communicate their needs to their parents, caregivers and other adults involved in their cases,” Steele added.
Henderson often supplies children with whatever they need—clothes, soap, lotions, hair ties, deodorant, food and candy, Steele said.
Henderson is often present in courtrooms supporting child victims and their families, offering comfort and assistance in understanding court proceedings.
“Montgomery County and its residents have benefited by her dedication and tireless work in support of children in need,” Steele said.
The commendation was among honors handed to four civilians and more than three dozen law enforcement officers during Steele’s annual law enforcement commendation ceremony. Steele said commendations are awarded to those who make extraordinary efforts and perform exemplary work in protecting and serving the residents of Montgomery County.
