Vanessa Behan

Innovative and Exemplary:

Vanessa Behan in Spokane, WA, in operation more than 31 years, is designed to support parents and primary caregivers in a way that prevents the potential for abuse or neglect. Staff providing care seek to capitalize on opportunities to promote healthy brain development, build resiliency and provide children with an experience of safety, love and wonder. Services are voluntary, free of charge and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year so that whenever a parent is faced with challenging circumstances or a lack of a safe care alternative, they have a place to turn. Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery serves an average 550 children from birth through age six, and will begin serving older children, and triple the number of children they serve, in 2020 when their new specially designed facility is completed.

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Programs are reviewed every three years to assess continued status as Innovative and Exemplary. Following their review, recognition of  Vanessa Behan as Innovative and Exemplary was extended to January 1, 2026.