A Collaborative Approach to Child Abuse and Trauma
Two Rivers United Child Advocacy Center’s multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach coordinates services among law enforcement, child protective services, prosecutors, medical professionals, therapists, and advocates. Whenever possible, children participate in only one forensic interview, and one medical evaluation – a streamlined process which reduces the chances that children are re-traumatized and preserves the best evidence for investigators.
We are currently accepting referrals for child forensic interviews and advocacy support from law enforcement and child welfare agencies.
Forensic Interviewing
What to Know and Expect for My Child’s Forensic Interview
Children seem to be put at ease when they know what to expect. Explain to your child that they are visiting a safe place called Two River’s United Child Advocacy Center (CAC) to talk to someone about what has happened. It is important to reassure your child, giving them permission to talk openly, and encourage them to tell the truth.
Caregivers – What to Expect Before the Forensic Interview:
- Please resist the urge to ask your child questions – it is very important NOT to rehearse with your child or coach them in what to say. If your child brings up the topic, just listen and tell them they will get a chance to talk to someone about it.
- It is okay to give your child encouraging words (i.e: “I’m proud of you for telling me”, “I believe you”, “thank you for talking to me about what happened”, etc.)
- Communicate with your referring agency (law enforcement or CPS) if your child has any special needs or requires accommodations for a verified disability so that we can prepare.
Caregivers – What to Expect Day of the Forensic Interview:
- Make sure your child is rested and has eaten a meal before coming. We do have snacks but they are not available in the interview room.
- If your child is younger than 10, it’s important they know this appointment is for talking, not playing. Only comfort items are allowed in the interview room.
- If you are bringing other children (i.e. siblings) to the CAC who need supervision, please bring an adult who can help. We have toys and activities in our waiting room, but not staff members who can supervise them.
- Teens or children who have phones or other devices will need to know they will be left with the caregiver during the interview.
- The alleged perpetrator cannot come to the CAC or provide transportation, even if that person is a parent or sibling. This could make your child feel uncomfortable during the visit and impact their willingness to communicate.
- Meeting the needs of your child is our highest priority.
- We want you to feel SAFE and WELCOME.
- Please contact our office if you have any questions or concerns.
Child Advocacy
What Can I Expect From My Advocate?
The Advocate assigned to your case is here to support you through the initial intake process and throughout the duration of the case. Some potential services provided to you by your Advocate are as follows:
- To support risk assessments, safety planning, and intervention for children and families as recommended by members of the multidisciplinary team who are associated with Two Rivers United CAC.
- Assess and address individual needs and cultural considerations for clients and their families
- Connect children and families with concrete services that may include housing, protective orders, domestic violence intervention, food, gas cards and public assistance.
- Provide referrals for specialized, trauma focused, evidence-supported mental health and medical treatment
- Accompany clients to case-related meetings, forensic medical exams, court hearing and sentencings, and courtroom tours
- Communicate the needs and requests of clients to Law Enforcement, CPS, Prosecution and any others involved in the case
- Attend meetings with the child’s multi-disciplinary team to discuss the child’s unique needs, assess their support service options, and receive updates on the status of their criminal case proceedings
- Contact families to give them case status updates regarding continuances, dispositions, sentencing, and inmate status notification
- Inform and assist clients in writing a Victim Impact Statement. Advocates are also available to read them by proxy in court.
Medical Referrals
What Can I Expect at a Medical Exam?
A coordinated care team will determine if a child needs medical assessment. Two Rivers United CAC partners with St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center to provide trained Pediatric Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (P-SANE). These nurses provide specialized medical care and support to children who have experienced sexual abuse, offering a compassionate, trauma-informed approach.
Pediatric SANE nurses perform child-friendly medical exams to assess injuries, screen for STIs, collect forensic evidence, provide crucial reassurance, and help families connect with other vital resources.
