Care Cottage
Kentucky River Children's Advocacy Center
Our Story
The Kentucky River Child Advocacy Center, also known as the Care Cottage, was established in 2000 and opened its doors for services in 2001 with one mission: to provide a safe place where children who have experienced abuse and trauma can be heard, supported, and begin the healing process.
Founded by Steve Tackett and Anne Gilbert, the Care Cottage was created through a vision of bringing hope, healing, and justice to children and families throughout our region. Since opening, the Care Cottage has brought together a team of dedicated professionals and community partners committed to protecting children and providing compassionate, child-centered services.
Through a coordinated multidisciplinary approach, we help ensure children and families receive the support they need while reducing the additional trauma often associated with the investigative process. Over the years, the Care Cottage has continued to grow as a leader in child advocacy, becoming nationally accredited through the National Children’s Alliance (NCA), serving as the first Child Advocacy Center in Kentucky to assist in a successful human trafficking prosecution, and being honored by the citizens of Perry County as the Best Non-Profit of the Year for the past four consecutive years.
For more than two decades, the Care Cottage has remained committed to standing alongside children, strengthening families, and creating a safer future for the communities we serve.
Our Mission
To provide a comfortable, safe environment where children who have been the victims of sexual abuse and their non-offending family members may receive services from each agency involved in the investigation and prosecution of these cases. We strive to provide a location where investigations may be performed in as timely manner as possible and to link children and their families to services they may need both immediately and in the future.
Our Values
❤️ Compassion
We meet children and families with kindness, understanding, and respect.
🛡️ Safety
We provide a secure, child-centered environment where children feel supported.
🤝 Collaboration
We work together with community partners to protect children and promote justice.
🌱 Healing
We connect children and families with resources that help them move forward.
⭐ Advocacy
We ensure every child has a voice.
What Makes Us Different
The Care Cottage uses a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together professionals from law enforcement, child protective services, prosecution, medical services, mental health providers, and victim advocacy to work together on behalf of children.
Instead of requiring children and families to navigate multiple agencies alone, we coordinate services in one safe, supportive location.
Who We Serve
The Care Cottage serves children and families throughout the Kentucky River Region, providing compassionate services to communities across Breathitt, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Owsley, Perry, and Wolfe counties. Regardless of a family’s ability to pay, the Care Cottage is committed to ensuring every child impacted by abuse and trauma has access to the support, advocacy, and resources they need to begin the healing process.