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Services for Families
We provide a child-friendly, neutral, and safe space for children and their families to meet with the team members who will be working on their case. In addition, we provide:
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What Happens Next?
When a report of child physical abuse, sexual abuse, or other type of abuse is reported to Law Enforcement or the Child Protective Services, a forensic interview with the child is scheduled. The child is interviewed at Foothills by a professional who is specially trained in child forensic interviewing. The non-offending caregivers receive crisis intervention and referrals for ongoing services that support the child or family. A forensic medical exam for the child may take place at the same time as the forensic interview or may be scheduled for another day.
When a report of child physical abuse, sexual abuse, or other type of abuse is reported to Law Enforcement or the Child Protective Services, a forensic interview with the child is scheduled. The child is interviewed at Foothills by a professional who is specially trained in child forensic interviewing. The non-offending caregivers receive crisis intervention and referrals for ongoing services that support the child or family. A forensic medical exam for the child may take place at the same time as the forensic interview or may be scheduled for another day.
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Forensic Interviews
A forensic interview with the alleged child victim is the first step in a child maltreatment investigation. A forensic interview is a process where a child is given the opportunity to talk about what happened in a safe, supportive environment. The child is questioned in a legally-sound, developmentally appropriate manner by a trained professional. Members of the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) that have jurisdiction over the case observe the interview as it is taking place. Interviews are digitally recorded, reducing the number of times children need to be interviewed, which reduces trauma for the child. Most children only need to be interviewed once. Information gathered in the forensic interview is used to help make decisions about protection, prosecution, and treatment. Forensic Medical Exams A forensic medical exam is an important part of promoting healing and helps to reassure victims and parents about the child’s physical well-being. Our forensically trained medical director provides forensic medical exams for children who are victims of sexual or physical abuse on site at our child-friendly facility. Children may also receive exams at the University of Virginia (UVA) Safe Clinic on the sixth floor of the Battle Building, and emergency cases are seen at the UVA Emergency Department by forensically trained medical providers. Family Support Services Our Family Advocate works one-on-one with the non-offending caregivers who come to the center to implement a safety plan and to help them create a healing environment for their children. They provides crisis intervention, conduct risk and need assessments and trauma screenings, provide needed referrals and supports the family through the investigative and treatment process. |
Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Coordination
We serve nine jurisdictions: Albemarle, Buckingham, Charlottesville, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Madison, Nelson, and Orange. We coordinate a team of professionals within each county, dedicated to the investigation and prosecution of perpetrators and to the support and treatment of child victims and their non-offending caretakers. The MDT meets monthly to communicate and collaborate on child maltreatment cases. Cases are reviewed beginning with the victim’s initial outcry through investigation, treatment and prosecution. Communication within the team reduces duplication and keeps victims from falling through the cracks. Foothills also participates in the Buckingham, Fluvanna, Greene, Madison, and Nelson County MDTs.
Examples of MDT Partners
We serve nine jurisdictions: Albemarle, Buckingham, Charlottesville, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Madison, Nelson, and Orange. We coordinate a team of professionals within each county, dedicated to the investigation and prosecution of perpetrators and to the support and treatment of child victims and their non-offending caretakers. The MDT meets monthly to communicate and collaborate on child maltreatment cases. Cases are reviewed beginning with the victim’s initial outcry through investigation, treatment and prosecution. Communication within the team reduces duplication and keeps victims from falling through the cracks. Foothills also participates in the Buckingham, Fluvanna, Greene, Madison, and Nelson County MDTs.
Examples of MDT Partners
- Child Protective Services
- Police Departments/Sheriff's Department
- Victim/Witness Services
- Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Offices
- Piedmont Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
- Sexual Assault Resource Agency (SARA)
- ReadyKids
- Region 10 Community Services Board
- UVA Forensic Nurse Examiners
- Foothills Child Advocacy Center
