Our story

A name rooted in remembrance. A house built to serve children.

Deirdre's House carries the name of Deirdre O'Brien and the legacy of a family committed to supporting victims of crime. Years after her death, that advocacy became connected to a new Child Advocacy Center created for the children and families of Morris County.

The planning began in 1994. Deirdre's House opened its doors in April 1996.

1982

The name

Remembering Deirdre O'Brien

Deirdre O'Brien was 25 years old when she was abducted and murdered in 1982. Her family went on to advocate for victims of crime in New Jersey.

More than a decade later, when Morris County leaders began developing a Child Advocacy Center, the O'Brien family was asked to support the effort. The center was ultimately named for Deirdre in recognition of the family's advocacy.

Winter 1994

A Child Advocacy Center for Morris County

In the winter of 1994, Morris County Prosecutor Michael Murphy and Assistant Prosecutor Karin Kelly-Weisert approached the O'Brien family about the possibility of opening a Child Advocacy Center to serve children in Morris County.

At the time, Deirdre's father, Jim O'Brien, was a member of the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders and president of the Statewide Coalition of Crime Victims. He was asked to help secure a location for the proposed center.

With the cooperation of the Freeholder Board, Morris County purchased the house at 8 Court Street in Morristown and provided a long-term lease to the newly formed nonprofit Child Advocacy Center.

Historical caption and date

Deirdre's House

A name connected to advocacy

The Morris County Freeholders asked the O'Brien family for permission to name the Child Advocacy Center after Deirdre, honoring the family's work on behalf of crime victims in New Jersey.

The name connects the organization's history to an ongoing commitment to treat children and families with dignity, care, and respect.

Timeline

How Deirdre's House came to be

1982
Deirdre O'Brien's family begins a lasting legacy of advocacy
After Deirdre O'Brien's death at age 25, members of her family became involved in advocacy supporting victims of crime in New Jersey.
Winter 1994
The idea for a Morris County Child Advocacy Center
Morris County Prosecutor Michael Murphy and Assistant Prosecutor Karin Kelly-Weisert approached the O'Brien family about establishing a Child Advocacy Center for Morris County.
1994-1996
A location and nonprofit take shape
With the cooperation of the Morris County Freeholder Board, the county purchased the house at 8 Court Street and provided a long-term lease to the newly formed nonprofit center.
April 1996
Deirdre's House opens its doors
Deirdre's House officially opened in April 1996, with then-Governor Christine Todd Whitman officiating at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Today
Continuing to serve Morris County
Deirdre's House continues to serve children and families as Morris County's Child Advocacy Center, bringing essential services and coordinated support together in one child-focused setting.
60,000+ children served since opening

From history to service

One location, coordinated around children

Deirdre's House provides a secure, nurturing setting where key services for children and non-offending caregivers can be coordinated under one roof.

Today, the organization supports the multidisciplinary response in Morris County while providing services that include forensic interviews, medical care, clinical counseling, advocacy, and assistance programs.

Explore our services

Since 1996

A continuing commitment to Morris County

From its opening in 1996 to its work today, Deirdre's House has remained focused on providing child-centered services and coordinated support for children and families.

Since 1996: Serving Morris County
60,000+: Children served since opening
English & Spanish: Services available in both languages

Core services are provided free of charge.

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The story continues