In the past, children who were victims of abuse were often re-victimized by the system and agencies who were supposed to help them.

Professionals from child protection, law enforcement, prosecutors and medical personnel would interview the child separately and repeatedly in police stations, county buildings and other environments designed for adults. Many times these interviews were done solely to meet the diverse and sometimes conflicting requirements of the agencies involved, rather then the needs of the child.

In 1997 several of these agencies decided that we needed a new way of interviewing and approaching abuse cases in Howard County. A new interview technique was established and the concept of a team approach was put into place. The team was made up of law enforcement, child protection, family services, prosecutors, and medical personnel. With the new interview technique and team concept in place it was then necessary to find a more friendly atmosphere for the interviews of abused children.

At the end of 1997 a house was purchased with the help of donations from private citizens and businesses in Kokomo. Thus came "Tomorrow's Hope," Howard County's new child friendly house. With the help of citizens and businesses the house was remodeled and all the necessary audio-video equipment installed. However, funding is still needed to continue this worthy effort.

On April 23, 1998, the local Child Abuse Prevention Council had their annual meeting along with a tour, marking the grand-opening of Tomorrow's Hope. The children are now being interviewed in a more friendly atmosphere, with the team members able to fulfill their needs in a one time interview.