History
Children's Home of Northern Kentucky was founded in 1882 by Colonel Amos Shinkle, a wealthy entrepreneur with a heart for philanthropy. Originally known as the Covington Protestant Children's Home, it began as an orphanage in downtown Covington, KY and housed hundreds of homeless and orphaned children. In 1926, the Home moved out of its increasingly industrialized setting to private property in what is now known as Devou Park. Over time, as the use of orphanages in the U.S. waned, the Home adjusted its services to better meet the needs of tri-state families in crisis. Residential treatment services for abused and neglected children were launched in 1980. Community and school-based services soon followed. CHNK also operates a therapeutic day school on its Devou Park campus. Most recently, adolescent substance use treatment services were added across all programs.
Specialties
Founded in 1882, Children's Home of Northern Kentucky takes a family-centered, holistic approach to behavioral health and substance use treatment for abused, neglected, and at-risk youth. CHNK carries out its mission to be a community leader providing children and families with opportunity and hope for better lives by offering both adolescent residential treatment services and community/ school-based services. Each year, CHNK impacts hundreds of youth and families in 35+ counties across the Commonwealth of Kentucky.