The Priority Center

Our mission is to deliver life-changing programs to assist people in crisis by giving them the tools and support necessary to end the generational cycle of trauma- including prevention of child abuse and neglect, through early intervention and mental health services and advocacy.

The Priority Center was founded in 1983 as the Orange County Child Abuse Prevention Center, and has been strengthening children, families, and individuals across Orange County communities for over 40 years. What began as a volunteer led initiative to address child abuse prevention and family stability has evolved into a leading provider of comprehensive support services dedicated to breaking the generational cycle of trauma. The Priority Center serves more than 2,600 children, youth, and families every year through a continuum of care that includes prevention and crisis intervention, parenting education, mental health support, and basic needs assistance.

A significant milestone came in 2006 when The Priority Center launched its In-Home Crisis Stabilization Program, becoming the exclusive provider of these specialized services in Orange County. The program delivers rapid trauma-informed mental health support directly to children and youth experiencing crises in their homes, schools, and communities, helping prevent psychiatric hospitalizations and supporting families. Initially focused on serving children and youth, services have expanded to include adults to continue meeting emerging community needs.

In 2012, The Priority Center began providing School Readiness services, now known as Serving Families with Young Children, helping parents and caregivers build the skills and support systems necessary to foster healthy child development. In 2022, The Priority Center became Orange County's exclusive provider of these services.

In 2019, the organization changed its name to The Priority Center to better reflect the diverse children, youth, adults and families it serves, prioritizing healing, resilience, and breaking the generational cycle of trauma. The Priority Center remains Orange County's only nonprofit providing critical in-home crisis intervention services while continuing to expand access to prevention, early intervention, and family support programs that promote healing, stability, and long-term well being.

Through more than 43 years of service, The Priority Center has solidified its role as a trusted leader in Orange County, as the exclusive provider of in-home crisis intervention and family support services, delivering specialized trauma-informed care that strengthens families and transforms lives for generations to come.

The Priority Center fills critical gaps in Orange County's child welfare and behavioral health systems by reducing psychiatric hospitalizations, strengthening family bonds, and preventing child abuse before it starts. Since 1983, The Priority Center has served more than 500,000 children, youth, and families through innovative, community-based programs designed to meet people where they are.

Recognizing barriers such as transportation, language, stigma, and limited access to care often prevent families from receiving support, The Priority Center brings services directly into homes, schools, and communities. Through outreach, education, and early intervention, The Priority Center increases awareness of available resources while ensuring families can access help before challenges escalate into crises.

The Priority Center's culturally responsive approach is rooted in the communities it serves. Staff members reflect the diversity of Orange County, speak multiple languages, and bring shared lived experiences that foster trust-based relationships and understanding for meaningful engagement. This staffing approach emphasizes The Priority Center's commitment to accessibility and inclusion to effectively serve diverse populations that have historically faced challenges accessing traditional systems of care.

Through a comprehensive continuum of care that spans the life of a child from early childhood development and parenting support to crisis intervention, mental health services, and basic needs assistance, The Priority center continuously meets individuals where they are to end the generational cycle of trauma.

Children and families in Orange County face rising threats to their safety, mental health, and stability. According to the 2024-2026 OC Community Health Improvement Plan, nearly 47% of local teens reported needing emotional or mental health support, and even more alarming, 14% of 11th graders have seriously considered suicide. These trends highlight a crisis that begins early and deepens without effective intervention.

At the same time, the 30th Annual Conditions of Children Reports shows more than 15% of mothers report experiencing depression during or after pregnancy, placing young children at risk for neglect, abuse, and developmental delays. Early childcare access is also declining. As 33% of Orange County families struggle to afford stable housing, compounding emotional and financial stress at home increases the risk of mental health challenges and strained relationships, all factors that can contribute to unsafe home environments.

Our services are not only essential but in constant demand, playing a crucial role in preventing child abuse and providing critical support to those facing mental health crises.
TPC works in close partnership with families, offering in-home programs that support early childhood development, family strengthening, mental health, and school readiness. By providing tools, resources, and guidance, TPC helps caregivers build on their strengths, deepen their knowledge, and expand their capacity to thrive. We create access to support systems that families can trust and use to achieve their individual goals.

The Priority Center serves families in crisis throughout the 34 cities and unincorporated areas of Orange County. Our clients reflect the diversity of our Orange County communities, with a primary demographic of approximately 65% Hispanic/Latino, 14% White, 9% Asian/Pacific Islander, and 12% multiracial or those who choose not to identify. Nearly 96% of the families we serve live below the poverty line, navigating multiple stressors such as housing instability, unemployment, and systemic barriers that limit access to care. We provide a continuum of care for all ages from 0 to adult.