Advocates for Children serves children and youth who have made allegations of sexual or severe physical abuse through its Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC). The reporting process is designed to be a single event overseen and followed up by a multidisciplinary team that includes law enforcement, medical personnel, and child protective services. Additionally, family advocates provide ongoing support for the entire family.
The CAC serves as the site for forensic interviews of children in possible neglect or abuse cases. Through this model, the child has an investigative interview, which is conducted by a trained forensic interviewer. The session is recorded to reduce the need for the child to tell his or her account over and over again.
To further minimize trauma and ensure comprehensive care, Advocates partners with the Northwest Georgia Sexual Assault Center on-site, providing seamless access to forensic medical exams and specialized support services in one centralized location. This collaboration ensures that children and families receive all necessary services under one roof, reducing stress and enhancing the healing process.
In addition to conducting the forensic interview, Advocates also provides services to the non-offending caregivers, child victim, and other family members. Services include a needs assessment, referrals to various community resources, connection to the local victim’s rights agency, client education, and ongoing support throughout the investigation, intervention, and treatment process. Referrals are also made to the appropriate medical and therapeutic providers as needed.
AFTER HOURS ASSISTANCE:
