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EnglishWhat Services Does Children's Center Provide for Child Abuse Assessment and Treatment?
Updated
Children's Center in Joplin, Missouri, is a nationally accredited Child Advocacy Center (CAC) that provides three core services: forensic interviews, sexual assault forensic exams/child at risk exams, and trauma focused therapy. These services are delivered by specially trained professionals and are designed to support the investigation of child abuse allegations while helping children find hope and healing. Importantly, the Center does not conduct its own investigations and cannot see a child without involvement from law enforcement and Children's Division.
The Three Core Services
Forensic Interviews
Forensic interviews are conducted by specially trained professionals in a safe, neutral, child-friendly setting. During these interviews, a multidisciplinary team observes the child, shares information, and determines the best course of action to serve the child's best interest.
The multidisciplinary team includes professionals from:
- Law enforcement
- Children's Division
- The juvenile office
- Medical professionals
A key benefit of this coordinated approach is that it limits the number of interviews a child must participate in, reducing potential re-traumatization.
Sexual Assault Forensic Exams and Child at Risk Exams
The Center provides medical evaluations related to allegations of child abuse, including sexual assault forensic exams and child at risk exams. Like forensic interviews, these exams are conducted by specially trained professionals.
Trauma Focused Therapy
The trauma focused clinical therapy program offers a variety of delivery methods. Its goal is to give children the coping skills to reframe their trauma and the power to overcome the abuse.
How the Multidisciplinary Team Works Together
Children's Center operates as part of a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach. Team members from various agencies come together to obtain needed information through a single, coordinated process rather than multiple separate interviews.
| Agency | Role in the Process |
|---|---|
| Law enforcement | Participates in the multidisciplinary team; required for any abuse allegation |
| Children's Division | Participates in the multidisciplinary team; required for any abuse allegation |
| Juvenile office | Participates in the multidisciplinary team |
| Medical professionals | Observe during forensic interviews; conduct medical exams |
What Children's Center Does Not Do
Children's Center does not investigate alleged abuse. It provides services to most accurately collect evidence for an investigation. Because of this, the Center cannot interview or examine children without the coordinated approach of the multidisciplinary team.
Can You Bring a Child Directly to Children's Center?
No. Any time an allegation of abuse occurs, law enforcement and Children's Division must be involved. The CAC does not conduct the investigation itself—it provides the services that support the investigation. Without the coordinated approach of the multidisciplinary team, the Center cannot interview or examine a child.
Getting Involved
Children's Center invites community members to get involved and support its work. Donations help turn the despair of abuse into the promise of hope and help brighten the future of abused children.