CASTLE Header Image

CASTLE History

The CASTLE began in 1981, and now serves as the model for a national network of child abuse prevention centers that span 107 locations in 27 states. The Board of Directors plays a very active role and is involved with the CASTLE’s ongoing activities. Theresa Garbarino-May, the Executive Director, has been with the CASTLE since 1986 at the helm of the agency. The CASTLE is known for its steady leadership and quality programs.

The CASTLE received national accreditation in 2003 from the Council on Accreditation. This distinction ensures that the CASTLE “meets the highest national standard for professional practice” in its programs and services. The CASTLE also received recognition for its Valued Visits Program, which was selected to be the featured program at the Violence Against Women’s Office conference in 2004 in Duluth, Minnesota.

We began as a humble effort to help parents learn better parenting skills and have become the recipient of local, state and national accolades. As CASTLE moves into its third decade, the National Exchange Club Foundation, the President of the United Sates, the U. S. House of Congress and the Florida Senate have proclaimed it the “Flagship” of child abuse prevention.

The population served is: families who are at risk for abusing or neglecting their children; families who have had a reported incident of abuse or neglect but who, with support and education, can eliminate further episodes of abuse; families with children 0-18; and families who live within the Treasure Coast and Okeechobee County.

The CASTLE accomplishes its goal of preventing child abuse and neglect by:

  • providing in-home counseling
  • teaching alternative parenting methods and non-violent discipline
  • offering educational seminars to help divorcing parents and their children through divorce with minimal trauma to the children
  • providing parenting classes
  • supervising visits between parent and children
  •  

CASTLE not only prevents tragedies and keeps families together; it saves taxpayer’s dollars. Studies show that for every $1 spent to prevent child abuse, $100 is saved in expensive remedial measures such as foster care and adoption. In addition to these direct financial savings, children from stable, healthy home environments are better prepared for school, have significantly better academic futures, and are less likely to become involved with drugs and crime.

With all that CASTLE has accomplished, this is just a beginning. Its successes so far are its greatest strength for the future. As CASTLE begins its third decade of helping Treasure Coast and Okeechobee County families, it expects to continue having a profoundly positive impact.