Frequently Asked Questions

In order to provide intervention services, we must first receive a referral from CPS or law enforcement. If you suspect a child has been abused, contact centralized intake (1-855-444-3911) or your local law enforcement (911 in case of emergency).

Check out this page to learn more about your appointment and what to do beforehand.

You do not. As we are a non-profit organization, there are never any fees for the services your child receives. You are welcome to make a donation to our center, but there is zero obligation of payment for the clients we serve.

When child maltreatment has happened, the stress of the situation can be overwhelming. Sometimes your child may seem fine or normal on the surface, but there can be long term consequences to trauma without the proper intervention.

Both children and caregivers can benefit from therapy services where they can learn how to manage overwhelming thoughts and feelings. Therapy is also a great step towards healing.

Your Family Advocate can help you find mental health resources that are the right fit for you.

When there are concerns that child has been physically or sexually abused, they have the opportunity for a free medical exam, whether it has been days, months, or years since the alleged incident(s).

This exam assesses for injuries and collects potential physical evidence of abuse, but it is also an opportunity for the child and caregiver to ask questions, and be reassured that their body is okay. The child makes all of the decisions during the exam and can stop at any time.

Our advocates encourage all suspected victims of abuse that have concerns about their body to have an examination. If it has been less than 5 days (120 hours) since a sexual assault occurred, it is highly encouraged that the child has a medical exam immediately.

It is important to know that a medical exam alone cannot prove or disprove child sexual abuse. If any injury has occurred, many children have already healed by the time of the exam. Injuries rarely leave scars, even when there has been penetration. The vast majority of exams will result in a normal and healthy finding of your child.

Your child will be speaking with a highly trained Forensic Interviewer. A forensic interview of a child is developmentally sensitive, trauma-informed, and includes legally sound questions. The Forensic Interviewer is trained to ask questions that do not confuse or lead a child to say something that is not true.

While it is natural to want to be in the interview to support your child, it is important for the interviewer to talk with your child alone. If your child has experienced abuse, it might be difficult for your child to talk about this in front of you.

It might also be hard for you to hear the details in that moment. The investigators’ focus must be on your child during the interview, so a family advocate will provide you with support while the interview is taking place, and an investigator will update you after the forensic interview.

The length of a Forensic Interview is determined by the needs of the child. Interviews are generally scheduled for a time block of one and a half hours, but it depends on the child’s age, disclosure, and other factors. Interviews can often be longer or shorter than the estimated time period. The most important thing is ensuring that your child has a safe space to talk. Our advocates can provide school or work excusal letters if necessary.

If your child has any disability or condition that could impact the interview, please contact the team. We will take the necessary steps to ensure that your child has a safe and equitable interview, whether they require an interpreter, a multi-session interview, or any other adaptations or accommodations.

At the end of your visit, you will have the opportunity to talk to the multidisciplinary team. You may ask questions and express your concerns. They will let you know, in general terms, what they have learned from the interview and how they plan to proceed with the investigation. If you choose, the advocate will keep you informed of the progress of your case and help your family receive any needed support or services.

Our agency follows strict confidentiality guidelines for the privacy and safety of our clients. Without a specific court order, our staff cannot confirm appointments or share records, even if another person or agency has informed you of an interview taking place.

If you have questions about an investigation, contact the proper investigating authorities. The child advocacy center is a neutral, non-profit entity and not an investigative agency.