When police or child protective services suspect that a child may be experiencing abuse, the child is brought to the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) by a caregiver or another “safe” adult. The CAC provides a secure, child-focused environment where the child can share their story once, in a comfortable setting, with a trained forensic interviewer. This professional is skilled in asking the right questions in a way that avoids retraumatizing the child.
Following the interview, a multidisciplinary team (MDT) consisting of medical professionals, law enforcement, mental health specialists, prosecutors, child protective services, victim advocates, and other relevant professionals meets to review the information and decide on the best course of action to support the child. The CAC offers additional services, including therapy, medical exams, courtroom preparation, victim advocacy, and case management, all coordinated through this MDT approach. This team-based response is essential to the work of CACs, providing a holistic, compassionate approach that prioritizes the child’s well-being and paves the way for both healing and justice.
Our center embraces a dedicated Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) approach, bringing together a diverse array of professionals to support children who have experienced abuse or neglect. This team includes law enforcement, child protective services, medical personnel, mental health specialists, prosecutors, victim advocates, and other community partners, all collaborating to provide comprehensive, compassionate care.
The MDT approach is designed to streamline investigations and interventions, reducing the need for children to repeatedly recount their experiences. By integrating expertise from multiple fields, our team ensures that every aspect of the case is thoroughly addressed, prioritizing the child’s well-being at every step. This collaborative model not only minimizes trauma but also enhances the effectiveness of the response, paving a coordinated path toward justice, healing, and long-term support for children and their families
At Brave Beginnings, children are welcomed into a warm, child-friendly waiting area designed to help them feel at ease. The space is comfortable and inviting, with books, puzzles, and games available to help children relax and feel engaged before their appointment begins.
While children settle in, a dedicated Victim Advocate assists family members and caregivers with any necessary paperwork, providing support and answering questions about connections to community services. This thoughtful process helps create a calm, reassuring atmosphere for both children and their families, setting the stage for a positive and supportive experience throughout their visit.
A Forensic Interview is a carefully structured process where children are interviewed in a way that avoids leading questions, allowing them to share their experiences openly and accurately. The information disclosed during a properly conducted forensic interview is admissible in court, making it a vital component in cases of abuse or witnessing violence. For younger children, typically ages 3 to 6, the recorded video of a forensic interview can often be used as evidence in place of live testimony, sparing the child the stress and potential trauma of testifying in court.
These interviews are conducted by highly trained professionals who undergo continuous annual education to stay current with the latest, most effective interviewing practices. This commitment to ongoing training ensures that interviewers can provide a reliable, compassionate approach, focused on obtaining accurate information while prioritizing the child’s emotional well-being
Pediatric Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (P-SANE) are specialized medical professionals who play a crucial role in the forensic process for children who may have experienced sexual abuse. These nurses conduct thorough physical examinations, and behavioral assessments and, when appropriate, collect photographs and evidence. Their approach is both medically precise and sensitive to the emotional needs of the child, ensuring a compassionate experience while gathering essential forensic information. To maintain and expand their expertise, P-SANE nurses are required to pursue ongoing education. The initial didactic training for adolescent and adult SANE certification is 40 hours, with an additional 40 hours dedicated specifically to pediatric care. This comprehensive training ensures that P-SANE nurses are well-prepared to conduct exams that meet the highest standards of care and evidence collection, providing vital support for both the child’s well-being and the investigative process.
