Rainbow House began in November 1986 in an old farmhouse with room for up to twelve children. Our founder, Kathy Hughes, had been a foster parent for many years. She had the vision to provide a safe, home-like environment where sibling groups could be kept together and children could continue in their home school. Her compassion for children, sincere dedication, and ability to mobilize the community resulted in the founding of the only children’s emergency shelter in Mid-Missouri. The agency has historically provided placement for children aged from birth to 17 years.

In 1992, services were expanded to include crisis care. This program provides for children whose parents are in crisis and need a safe place to house them while they attempt to stabilize their own lives. Crisis care is truly a prevention program in that it provides a respite placement that can be accessed by a parent without the involvement of any other agencies. Parents may face major crises like homelessness, unemployment, temporary mental health instability, or other issues that can cause major stress in one’s life. Crisis care can relieve the parent of the added stress of parenting while they are trying to solve their own crisis. It is our belief that children are protected from abuse because parents choose to utilize this Rainbow House service.

Years later, the Inter-Agency Council on Child Abuse and Neglect (ICAN) and the Rainbow House Board of Directors recognized the need for a child advocacy center. In August of 1998, the Rainbow House Regional Child Advocacy Center (CAC) began conducting forensic interviews–remaining true to the Rainbow House mission of keeping children safe and supporting families in crisis. The CAC offers a child-friendly environment where abused and neglected children are interviewed. Utilizing a multi-disciplinary approach, the CAC works with investigative personnel from law enforcement, Children’s Division, the Juvenile Office, and prosecuting attorney’s offices to coordinate the most effective response to allegations of sexual and physical abuse of a child. Every effort is made to interview a child only one time.

As the years have progressed, the number of children Rainbow House provides services to continues to grow. From 2017 to 2020, the number of referrals we received increased by a staggering 32%.

Rainbow House is staffed by trained, qualified individuals, experienced in working with children in crisis situations. Staff and volunteers undergo background checks and training to provide the highest level of care.