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Our story
Deirdre’s House carries the name of Deirdre O’Brien and honors the legacy of a family committed to supporting victims of crime. Years after her death, the O’Brien family helped create a new Child Advocacy Center to serve the children and families of Morris County.
The planning began in 1994. Deirdre’s House opened its doors in April 1996. We are proud to continue the O’Brien family’s commitment to treating children and families with dignity, care, and respect.
The name
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 spearhead the effort. The center was ultimately named for Deirdre in recognition of the family's advocacy.
Winter 1994
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.
The Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders designated the house at 8 Court Street in Morristown as the new Child Advocacy Center.
Timeline
After Deirdre O'Brien's death at age 25, members of her family became involved in advocacy supporting victims of crime in New Jersey.
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.
The Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders designated the house at 8 Court Street in Morristown as the new Child Advocacy Center.
Deirdre's House officially opened in April 1996, with Governor Christine Todd Whitman officiating at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
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.
From history to service
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, mental health services, advocacy, assistance programs, education, and outreach.
Since 1996
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.
Serving Morris County
Children served since opening (provisional)
Services available in both languages
Core services are provided free of charge
The story continues
Learn about the staff, leadership, and trustees responsible for carrying the organization’s work forward.
Support the services and resources Deirdre's House provides to children and families in Morris County.
