“The kids we help sometimes bond with these weighted stuffed animals, either before or during a forensic interview,” explains Morgan, Office Manager at our Children’s Advocacy Center location.
Forensic interviews at the CLC reduce the need for a child/youth to retell their experience – previously retelling their story from six to eleven times, to just one time now. Evidence from a single forensic interview can also replace the need for a child to testify in court regarding something that happened to them. Both scenarios prevent a child from being retraumatized by reliving their story over and over.
Weighted stuffed animals are well loved at the CLC. They provide children and youth comfort in challenging moments. Research shows that the pressure from their weight reduces anxiety and stress and provides a sensory outlet that promotes focus and attention. They can reduce cortisol levels, calm the nervous system, and release feel-good brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin.
“We let kids take them home once we see they have bonded with their stuffed animal. We know they will provide additional support for the kids once they leave here, but that also means we are often running low.”
If you would like to donate one of these weighted stuffed animals, we recommend these Pillowfort sensory soothers that are currently available at Redding Target. Call 530.768.1880 or email us at info@childrenslegacycenter.org to arrange for donation drop-offs.
Your support means the world to us and the children we serve. If you prefer to make a monetary donation, we invite you to visit our Giving pages:
Every contribution, big or small, makes a meaningful difference in the lives of those for which we care. Thank you for your generosity.
