Children come into this world innocent. A sacred trust exists between them and the rest of the world to keep them happy and safe. But that is not the experience for many children. Abuse crosses age, gender, race and socio-economic boundaries. Abuse also crosses many lines from abandonment, neglect, infliction of physical pain and sexual abuse. Sometimes children are victim to one perpetrator, but they can also experience abuse from multiple people in their world. Child abuse can take many forms such as:

When the unspeakable happens, someone has to speak. Someone must stand up for these children and report the abuse. Eventually, the child must also speak. But in many circumstances the child is either not believed, too traumatized to understand what happened is not their fault, or suffer from retelling their story many times to multiple agencies and law enforcement representatives. In the case of those too young to speak, forensic evidence must speak for them.

Children’s Center is a safe place for abused children. We understand the confusion and trauma they are experiencing and our trained professional staff collect physical evidence and help the child begin the process of healing with counseling and encouragement to tell their story without fear. Our collaboration with law enforcement and family services develops a plan for the best outcome for each and every child. 

The allegations that bring children to our center include sexual and/or physical abuse, living in a drug-endangered environment, neglect,  exploitation through the Internet or child pornography,  and/or witnessing a serious crime.

As a child advocacy center, we provide children two critical services – Forensic Interviews and Sexual Assault Forensic Exams by trained professionals.  Behind the scenes at our center, a multidisciplinary team of law enforcement, Children’s Division, the juvenile office and medical professionals observe the interview, share information, discuss outcomes and determine a course of action that best serves the interest of the child.

We are proud of the work we do and invite you to get involved.