Assessing, advocating and supporting pre- and post-adjudicated youth in partnership with the Dallas County Juvenile Department
Preventing, identifying and supporting youth with a history of childhood trauma vulnerable to exploitation and trafficking
1
Every POETIC girl is paired with a licensed therapist trained in trauma and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and a clinical case worker. They participate in individual, group therapy and multi-family DBT therapy with their parents or guardians – all at no cost. Our support team is available 24/7.
2
Through art therapy, POETIC girls have the opportunity to explore their emotions and express themselves through creative mediums. This immersion in creativity builds self-identity, self-value and self-love.
3
A lack of financial means is the number one lure back into a life of exploitation. Through education on financial literacy, workforce development, professional certification pathways,and paid internships, POETIC girls gain real-world experience and practical skills that open doors to career development and long-term self-sufficiency.
4
Youth who have experienced trafficking and exploitation often face significant educational disruption, often performing two to three grade levels behind peers. Our Educational Advocacy program provides individualized academic support to close learning gaps and rebuild confidence. For girls enrolled in public school, we partner with school systems to ensure proper evaluation and access to appropriate accommodations and services. We also guide alternative pathways to graduation, including credit recovery and GED attainment. Through targeted tutoring and strategic advocacy, we address the impact of trauma and system involvement—helping each girl regain academic stability and move forward with confidence.
5
Our clinical case managers offer guidance in applying for government IDs, enrolling in health insurance, accessing medical professionals, creating a resume and learning job interview skills. We also provide court advocacy and mentorship so youth can move forward to an empowered future.
Our longitudinal research shows that
Research indicates that having 4 or more (out of 10) Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) leads to negative health outcomes and can reduce your life expectancy by 20 years.
Nationally, girls with a history of sexual abuse are 5 times more likely to go back into the juvenile justice system.
Instead, they are supported in our Trauma Therapy Center, completing their education and building a career path that aligns with their unique skills and interests.
Of those enrolled in our Design Co. (paid internship at POETIC), 100% opened up a bank account and decreased debt, while 60% increased their savings.
Our model, rooted in evidence-based therapy that directly addresses emotion regulation, self-harm and suicide, shows that girls at POETIC are building a life beyond surviving. They are building a life worth living.
