YOUR VISIT TO A CHILD'S VOICE
Sometimes parents and children worry about their appointment at our center. You can find out more about what to expect on this page. If you still have questions, please call us at 770-464-0082 and we will be glad to talk with you more about the process.
What happens at A Child's Voice?
Before your appointment, you will receive a call from the Family Advocate assigned to your case. This phone calls allows us to explain the process at our center, find out information about your child to ensure we are prepared to meet their needs, and help you, the caregiver, feel prepared for the appointment so that you can help prepare your child.
When you arrive at the center, you'll be greeted by one of our staff members. While caregivers fill out some paperwork, the kids are free to play with toys or watch a movie.
Your child shouldn't know that the law enforcement investigator or DFCS case worker are here unless you tell them. They utilize a separate entrance to ensure that the child feels safe and neutral at our center.
Once you complete the intake paperwork, the forensic interviewer will take the child into the interview room and talk with them for however long or short the child wants to. During this time, the family advocate will meet with the caregivers to discuss resources, answer their questions, and provide support.
After the interview, the child will rejoin the caregiver. We may have a meeting with the caregiver and the investigative team if there are questions that need to be answered. Usually, the law enforcement investigator and DFCS case worker will follow up with the family after the appointment as their investigation continues.
If the team decides the child should have a medical exam, we will either do this exam after the interview or schedule it for another day.
After you leave our center, the family advocate will follow up. At any point before, during or after your visit to the center, you are welcome to call us. We are here to support children and their families.
Below is a resource for children & teens to prepare them for their visit.
When a child comes to A Child’s Voice for this first time, our staff makes every effort to ensure that children feel safe and supported. For young children, or those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, something a little more is needed to ensure that they feel safe and understand what A Child Voice Child Advocacy Center is.
Will I be able to watch the interview?
No. Only the investigate team are allowed to observe the interview. This creates a neutral, stress free setting for the child. Additionally, the information shared by the child during the interview is protected through O.C.G.A. 49-5-41, the Child Abuse Records Protection Act.
How long will it take?
We can't say exactly how long your appointment will take. Generally, families are here from 1.5-3 hours but this all depends on the unique situation of your children and families. Feel free to bring snacks or things to do while you wait. Our center also has snacks, drinks, toys, movies and books.
