THE CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER
The Child Advocacy Center provides a child-focused environment to gently support child victims of sexual and physical abuse and their non-offending family members. The Center encourages a coordinated response to the investigation, prosecution, and treatment of child abuse.
Ensures that a possible child victim has an opportunity to tell his/her story to an unbiased professional.- Reduces the number of times a child victim must be interviewed by video-recording all interviews.
- Offers non-offending family members crisis intervention, support, and access to services.
- Provides multi-disciplinary case review for child abuse cases in Weld County, thereby, ensuring that these delicate cases proceed in the best interest of the child victim and quicken prosecution times.
- Helps victims start the road to healing.
What happens at the Child Advocacy Center?
What happens at the Child Advocacy Center?
- When you and your child arrive, you will be greeted by the staff and made comfortable in a family playroom.
- A separate interview room is designed to make your child feel comfortable. The interview room is equipped with discrete video recording cameras and microphones.
- Your child will talk to a trained forensic interviewer. The interviewer has special training and experience in talking with children about difficult subjects. The interviewer’s goal is to make your child as comfortable as possible while gathering the necessary information for an investigation. The interviewer moves at a pace that is comfortable for your child and never forces a child to talk.
- A family advocate will work with you before, during, and after the interview. They will assist you in obtaining services and provide support. The family advocate’s role is to answer any questions you have and provide you with valuable information.
What Should We Expect After the Interview
- You will be able to talk to a member of the investigative team. The team usually consists of Law Enforcement and/or a Child Protection Worker. They will tell you in general terms what they learned from the interview. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and voice your concerns. When Law Enforcement is finished with their investigation, they will send a report to the District Attorney’s office. The District Attorney will determine how to proceed. The Child Protection Worker will determine if any further intervention is needed in order to ensure your child’s safety.
- The Family Advocate will contact you by phone or e-mail as a follow-up. The advocate will answer any questions and help you with any additional resources you may need.
View Interview Calendar