Photo of the color guard in procession during the Wilmington Police Academy ceremony.
Photo of Wilmington Police Academy recruits.
Photo of officers participating in recreational activities at the Wilmington Police Academy.
Police cadets at the academy graduation ceremony
Boy kneeling next to dog in front of a WPD police vehicle
Archive photo of WPD officer standing next to his police vehicle in front of the Public Safety Building

Helping Children Heal After Trauma

The Wilmington Youth Response Unit is a partnership between the City of Wilmington Police Department, the Delaware Division of Prevention and Behavioral Health Services (DPBHS) and A Seed of Hope Counseling. A Seed of Hope Counseling is contracted by DPBHS to provide mental health treatment for identified children. Clinicians work with both the children and the families to offer free, voluntary trauma assessment and short-term counseling services after a traumatic event.

Realizing that communities need support during a crime, prevention services in various Wilmington communities will also allow for education on how trauma affects children and how to best support the community experiencing trauma.

Signs to look out for:

  • Sleep Disturbance
  • Separation Anxiety
  • Bedwetting
  • Looking out for danger
  • Headaches, stomach aches
  • Irritability
  • Anger outbursts
  • Tearfulness, sadness, talking about scared feelings or scary ideas
  • Being clingy with a parent
  • Withdrawal with friends
  • Difficulty concentrating at school or home
  • Changes in Behavior

In instances of severe neglect or child abuse, it is required that a report first is made to the Division of Family Services (DFS) 24-hour report line at 1-800-292-9582.

Visit this link for more information and to print a brochure of our services.

Visit this link to view a presentation about the Youth Response Unit.