662 children were victims of abuse and neglect in Jackson County in 2009.  53% of these victims were under the age of 6. The Family Nurturing Center, Jackson County Children's Relief Nursery, is helping break the cycle of abuse. We are a child neglect and abuse prevention and intervention program designed for high-risk families with children from birth to age five. The FNC was created in 2006 in response to the growing number of child abuse victims.  From a small beginning in one room where four children were served, we have grown to a staff of 21 professionals who have served over 400 children and their families.

The Family Nurturing Center is a non-profit program, born from community need and created by a community that cares about its children and families. Learn more about what the Family Nurturing Center does, why it is so important, and how you can help.

Since the FNC opened in May 2006, over 400 children have received services.

• The recurrence of child abuse and neglect went down in 2007; it was 68% better than 2006.
• Only 6 of the 200+ children enrolled in the FNC were placed in foster care while participating in the FNC; of these 6 children, 4 have been reunited with their families.
• 9 other children, who were in foster care when they enrolled, went back to their parents.
• Over half of the parents served by the program showed improvement in the way they relate to and discipline their children.