Benefits of a Children's Advocacy Center

 

For the child:

  • A single interview by a specially trained person.
  • Reduced trauma to the child.
  • Multidisciplinary team approach to investigation and intervention.
  • Referrals for crisis therapy and continuing mental health services.
  • Consistent case tracking.

 

For the non-offending family:

  • One place for giving and receiving information.
  • Advocacy to assure services are provided and to assist with the judicial process.
  • Educational and therapeutic resources.
  • Immediate crisis intervention.

 

For professionals / agencies:

  • Centralized facility for coordinated joint interviews, to share information, and track case progress.
  • Case tracking to develop and analyze data related to the efficacy of interventions and gaps in services.
  • Regularly scheduled case reviews to coordinate services and investigations.
  • Opportunity for training and development.

 

For the community:

  • Improved substantiation and prosecution of cases
  • Duplication of services is eliminated.
  • Enhanced prevention/awareness