Child Advocacy Center

PREPARING FOR YOUR VISIT

We understand that this is a difficult and uncertain time for you and your family. Here are some techniques designed to help you prepare your child for his or her visit to our center:

Stay Calm - It is normal to have a roller coaster of emotions when it is suspected that your child, or a child you care about, is the possible victim of abuse. Keep in mind, the child may also be experiencing big emotions of their own. In order to help your child deal with their own response, it is important that you, as their caregiver, stay calm and receptive to whatever their response may be. Be careful to avoid emotional responses in front of the child, because those could lead to feelings of guilt or fear that they did something wrong. Remember, that you also need support through this time, so make sure to rely on other trustworthy adults to process your own feelings.

Believe - Make sure your child feels believed. Remind them that they are not in trouble with you. We want them to feel safe talking about what may have happened, rather than ashamed. "It is not your fault", "You did not do anything wrong", and “I believe you” are excellent statements to tell your child during this time. Encourage them to always come to you if something happens. Your job as a caregiver is to be a strong foundation for your child and to allow them to rely on you in their time of need.

Prepare - It is best that your child is prepared for their visit to our center. Please DO NOT lie to your child about where they are going. Explain that they are coming to a special place to talk to a friend about something that may have happened to them. For example, "I'm going to bring you to talk to one of my friends about (what happened to you/what you saw) at Uncle Sam's house." If your child has not disclosed information before, you can tell them they are coming to talk with a friend who wants to make sure they are happy and safe. Encourage your child that it is ok for them to talk with us, and you want them to be honest.

Don’t Pry - We understand that allegations are often shocking and upsetting, but remember it is not your job to get the facts. Allow your child to come to you if they want to talk with you about the situation, but do not feel like you need to get details. Try to minimize the amount of questions you ask of them. Be receptive, but don't pry. Children are very susceptible to suggestive questioning, and unless you are trained, try to leave the details to our forensic interviewers.

THE PROCESS

Upon arrival at the CAC, you will

• Be greeted by our Victim Advocate, whose role is to provide support, crisis intervention, and referrals for services to meet your specific needs. Their job is to be there for YOU!

• Fill out some paperwork, which helps explain the process and your rights.

• Get acquainted with our center and the CAC process.

Next, you will

• Meet the Forensic Interviewer, who is a nationally trained and passionate advocate. They will have an unbiased, non-leading, developmentally appropriate, and legally sound conversation with your child.

• Get your own time with the Victim Advocate, for support and help with any possible needs or questions you and your family may have, while your child talks with the interviewer.

Finally, you will

• Get a chance to talk with the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) involved with your case, where you can use this time to ask questions and share any concerns you may have.

• Be informed on the next steps in the investigation.

• Receive referral information for mental health and/or medical services for further healing, if needed.

AFTER YOUR VISIT

Following your visit to the center, our Victim Advocate will establish and maintain contact to provide appropriate information throughout the entire investigation and as needed through.

Contact will be made according to the needs of the family and prosecution timelines. This follow-up contact from our Victim Advocate is not mandatory. You may opt out anytime. We are here to meet the needs of you and your family, for however long necessary.