SERVICES
At A Child's Voice, we offer forensic interviews, forensic medical examinations, case tracking through our multi-disciplinary team, family advocacy and support services, and community education and outreach.
Forensic Interviews
What is a Forensic Interview?
A forensic interview is a conversation between a child and specially trained professional that is conducted for the purposes of finding valuable information that can assist law enforcement and child protective services with investigations. Questions are open and non-suggestive.
There is no charge for this service.
A Child's Voice helps children to be comfortable with the interviews in a number of ways. We put the child at ease by providing a non-threatening, neutral, child-friendly environment in which to conduct these interviews. To protect the children and ensure they feel safe to talk about what has happened, our center only works with involved caregivers who are not the alleged offender in the case. Interviews are videotaped using state-of-the-art recording equipment to avoid multiple interviews, reduce the trauma of disclosure, and preserve statements for court purposes.
Medical Examinations
What is a Forensic Medical Examination?
Forensic medical examinations are conducted following a forensic interview when a child has disclosed sexual or severe physical abuse and/or the exam is deemed necessary. Exams are performed by a highly trained nurse practitioner. Exams are tailored to the statements made by the child in the forensic interview and are used for evidence collection, testing and treatment. Medical exams are not invasive, and should cause children no pain. Children also receive reassurance about their bodies and their health, and answers to any questions or concerns they may have.
There is no charge for this service.
Family Advocacy and Support
Family Support
The family advocate will call you before your appointment to explain the process, will meet with you when you arrive at the center, and will spend time answering questions, determining needs, and providing resources.
Referrals for Counseling
The issues that bring families to our center are often new experiences for families, and often traumatic and scary. To foster healing, evidence-based treatments for mental health are often recommended for both children and their families. A Child's Voice provides information about mental health providers in the area and makes referrals at the request of families when necessary.
Follow-up
Sometimes families have questions after leaving our center or need more support a couple weeks down the road. Our family advocate, or a social work intern serving as a family advocate for the family, will reach out and continue to support families and children even after they have visited the center.
Therapy
Therapy at A Child's Voice
A Child's Voice offers therapy services for kids and teens who have received forensic services at A Child's Voice and show signs of traumatic stress. Referrals for the therapy program can be made by a Family Advocate at the center.
Therapy services are free of charge.
For additional information about the therapy program at A Child's Voice please contact DeAnna Fort, Director of Clinical Services via email at dfort@achildsvoicecac.com.
Mutli-Disciplinary Team
The mutli-disciplinary team is composed of representatives from law enforcement, child protective services (DFCS), the District Attorney's office, medical, mental health and A Child's Voice staff. These representatives work together to coordinate the intervention in order to reduce potential trauma for children and families. This team facilitates support for families and children, ongoing involvement of necessary individuals in the case and effective communication between all involved agencies.
Community Outreach
Upon request, A Child's Voice provides presentations and informational sessions on various topics surrounding sexual abuse and physical abuse for community members, civic groups, college classes, religious congregations, etc. In collaboration with other helping organizations, staff also provides educational programs for women, children, and adolescents.
