“I have founded an organization.
My biggest wish is to shut it down soon.”

– Queen Silvia of Sweden

With these words, Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden founded Childhood in 1999. Since then, we have worked persistently to inspire, promote, and develop solutions to end the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. Childhood USA supports programs for children who are disproportionately affected by child sexual abuse and exploitation, including children with disabilities, children who are homeless or in the foster care system, and children from the LGBTQ+ and other marginalized communities.

OUR VISION

A world where all children are free from sexual abuse and exploitation.

OUR MISSION

To inspire, promote, and develop solutions to end the sexual abuse and exploitation of children.

We work in three thematic areas: Child Supportive Environments and Relationships, Child Safety Online, and Child Focused Response to Abuse. The themes are chosen based on the areas where children are particularly vulnerable, the needs for our work are greatest, and where we as an organization have the greatest experience and knowledge and thus can make the most difference.

Child Supportive Environments & Relationships

The thematic area Child Supportive Environments & Relationships refers to early interventions to prevent children from being subjected to sexual abuse and violence. Childhood’s work is evidence based regarding risk- and protective factors. A key aspect of our work is focused on one of the most important protective factors for children: a close relationship to a caring and supportive adult. Adults who see, listen and affirm children and who take action when children are at risk or have been abused. This will allow children to develop into independent, secure individuals who are able to give and receive love.

Child Safety Online

The online world is rapidly changing. Children have the same rights to be online as they have to go to school or play. Children quickly adapt to new technology and new opportunities and often provide adults with advice about the digital world. The earlier children learn how to safely navigate the internet, the more likely they are to know when and how to ask for help. However, the responsibility of keeping children safe online lies with adults.

Child Focused Response to Abuse

The response after a child has disclosed abuse can, at best, accelerate recovery and strengthen the child’s resilience or, in the worst case, re-traumatize the child. This is why it is so important that adults and relevant authorities who meet the abused child act in a coordinated manner, with the best interest of the child in mind. Our thematic focus area Child Focused Response to Abuse include both activities for prevention as well as providing adequate support, resources and help when abuse has taken place. It includes development of methods to identify children who are at risk, to help children disclose abuse with minimal trauma and ensure that the child is safe from further abuse.