Illuminating Hope Through Action: A Spotlight on the Howard Phillips Center for Children & Families

The Howard Philips Center for Children and Families Located in Central Florida serves as a safe haven and comprehensive resource for children and families facing unimaginable challenges

At Light Orlando, we believe in the power of partnership- that when individuals and organizations work together, we can shine a light so bright the world can't help but notice. On February 5, 2025, our team had the privilege of visiting the Howard Phillips Center for Children & Families for a special Lunch and Learn experience, and what we encountered was a powerful testament to hope in action.

Located in the heart of Orlando, the Howard Phillips Center is part of Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. Since opening its doors in 2000, the Center has served as a safe haven and comprehensive resource for children and families facing unimaginable challenges- from abuse and neglect to developmental delays and lack of access to healthcare. Each year, the Center touches the lives of more than 20,000 individuals across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties.

A Holistic Approach to Healing- the Howard Phillips Center for Children & Families

What sets the Howard Phillips Center apart is its deeply integrated and trauma-informed approach to care. During our visit, we learned about six core programs that work in unison to serve the unique needs of vulnerable children and families in our community:

1. Developmental Center for Infants & Children / Early Steps

Through early intervention services, this program evaluates and supports children under the age of three who are showing signs of developmental delays, including those on the autism spectrum. Each year, more than 1,700 children are assessed and guided toward essential services during this critical stage of development.

2. Healthy Families Orange & Osceola

This home-visitation program equips new parents with the tools and resources they need to break the cycle of abuse and neglect. With a 98% success rate in preventing child maltreatment, the program is a powerful model of prevention and empowerment.

The Howard Philips Center for Children and Families offers compassionate, welcoming, child-friendly spaces

3. Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC)

In cases of suspected abuse, the CAC offers a compassionate, child-friendly space where survivors can be interviewed, evaluated, and connected with support, all under one roof. The center facilitates over 2,100 interviews and serves more than 5,000 individuals annually, ensuring that no child has to navigate trauma alone.

4. Child Protection Team (CPT)

This medically directed team provides 24/7 evaluations of abuse and neglect. With two of only 15 child-abuse-certified pediatricians in Florida on staff, the CPT ensures expert care and rapid response when children need it most.

5. The Healing Tree

The emotional scars of trauma are often invisible, but the Healing Tree makes healing possible. Offering over 7,000 therapy sessions each year, this outpatient mental health program provides specialized counseling for children and teens ages 3–18 using proven, evidence-based practices.

6. Teen Xpress

Reaching middle and high school students where they are, Teen Xpress delivers vital healthcare services via mobile medical units. From physicals and wellness checks to mental health support and nutrition counseling, the program served more than 4,500 young people last year, many of whom might otherwise go without care.

A Community Built on Compassion

Child friendly interview rooms and quiet therapy spaces available at The Howard Philips Center for Children and Families

Walking the halls of the Howard Phillips Center, you can feel the intentionality behind every detail, from the child-friendly interview rooms to the quiet therapy spaces. This is a place where dignity is preserved, stories are honored, and healing is not only possible, but expected.

The staff's commitment to collaboration is evident in their integrated service model. Doctors, therapists, case managers, social workers, and advocates work side by side — often under one roof — to ensure that every child and family receives holistic, uninterrupted support.

You Can See the Story for Yourself

One of the highlights of our visit was the opportunity to participate in the Center’s “See the Story” tour — a guided experience that offers visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the programs, spaces, and stories that make the Howard Phillips Center such a vital part of our community. We encourage everyone in our network to attend one of these tours and witness firsthand the impact being made every single day.

Our Shared Mission

At Light Orlando, we are proud to stand with organizations like the Howard Phillips Center, organizations that not only meet the moment, but build bridges toward lasting transformation. Their work reminds us why we do what we do: to deliver hope, together.

To learn more about how you can support the Howard Phillips Center, whether through advocacy, volunteerism, or giving, visit their website via Orlando Health.

Light Orlando Leaders stand together with Central Florida Community charity and religious leaders to tour the Howard Philips Center for Children and Families

Together, we can continue illuminating lives and building a brighter, stronger Central Florida.