1947
Morrison was Founded
Morrison Child and Family Services was founded by a group of concerned citizens and physicians committed to providing mental health services for children in the community. Dr. Carl Morrison, one of Oregon’s first child psychiatrists, served as Morrison’s first Executive Director for 25 years. In its first year, the Portland Community Child Guidance Clinic, as it was called, served 216 cases from a modest house in downtown Portland.
Average number of clients served per year: 300
1970's
Honoring Dr. Carl Morrison
In the 1970’s, Morrison grew 12x and expanded to include services in the juvenile justice system. The clinic name was changed to The Carl Morrison Center for Youth & Family Services in honor of the legacy of Dr. Carl Morrison; and then later shortened to Morrison Center.
Average number of clients served per year: 1200
1980's
Revolutionizing Care
In the 1980’s, we expanded again, creating alternatives to traditional expensive institutional care with three new day treatment programs: Hand In Hand, Counterpoint and Breakthrough serving a continuum from 4-18 years.
Average number of clients served per year: 1400
1990's
Collaborating with Communities
In the 1990’s, Morrison began collaborations with fellow non-profits that included a limited time as one of the members of the Federation for Children and Youth. In 1999 Rosemont School for Girls merged into Morrison, and in 2001 Edgefield Children’s Center also merged into Morrison.
Average number of clients served per year: 2400
2000's
Changing Our Name
In the 2000’s, we continued to expand adding The Parent Mentor Program and additional prevention services, as well as investing into Equity, Diversity and Inclusion across the agency. We changed our name to what it is today, Morrison Child & Family Services, to reflect the fact that Morrison had many locations and had grown significantly in size, scope, and capacity.
Average number of clients served per year: 4900
2010's
Sanctuary Model
In the 2010’s we added the Immigrant Youth Services Division and invested in becoming a Trauma-informed Organization, through the Sanctuary Model, training all agency staff in this new model of care.
Average number of clients served per year: 7000
2020's
Expanding Outside of Oregon
In the 2020’s we continue to grow and expand and have pushed ourselves to provide more services throughout the State of Oregon and launch our first program in the State of Washington.
Average number of clients served per year: 7819
Developed in 2020 through the support of the Rotary Club of Portland and our generous Community of Supporters
