How It Work's

Main Our History The Center 2003 Report Healing Process Donations How we Measure Success Sign Guest Book	The Arvada Child Advocacy Center 10795 West 58th Avenue Arvada, CO 80004 (720) 898-6741 fax (303) 432-7992

	The family arrives at the center.	The family is greeted by our friendly staff.		The children and family can play in one of our 2 play areas while the staff and family get to know each another.
	The child is interviewed in a safe, child friendly interview room with the cameras hidden behind a two way mirror where the interview is being recorded. We are able to accommodate many families at a time with our 2 interview rooms, 2 play rooms and conference room. There is a kitchen stocked with snacks for the families to enjoy while at the Center.
	If an exam is required the Center has a fully equipped exam room where Dr. Monica can perform an exam and record physical evidence if needed. The child is given a homemade blanket donated by a member or the community for the exam and may take it home with them. The child is also given their very own stuffed animal. Our goal is to make the child feel safe and comfortable so they will be able to tell their story.		Before and after the child is interviewed the staff will meet with the parent to find out any information they may know and to disclose what the child has reported in the interview.
	We are staffed with a full time Therapist, Victim Advocate and Pediatrician. They work closely with all the professionals and family members involved in a case.		Our focus is the children we serve. Our goal is to make these children comfortable during their time at the Advocacy Center.
	The center provides a safe, child-centered environment for the investigative interview. This includes use of a 2-way mirror, video equipment for interviewing taping, and supplies needed such as anatomically correct dolls and drawings, toys, art supplies, etc. The therapist assists law enforcement and social services with the initial investigative interview and is particularly helpful with the developmental issues of interviewing young children. The advocacy center’s program established a standardized protocol for the process as well as standardized evaluation forms. As a pilot program, the center was used on an as-needed basis and the services of a therapist were contracted through a private therapist group. Use of the center is made through referrals by law enforcement and social services agencies at no charge to any agency requesting services. At the initial investigative interview, the therapist, victim advocate and the professionals involved with the case discuss the preliminary information concerning the case. The therapist can perform or assist law enforcement with the interview. If, after the interview, the professionals feel there is additional information that can be or should be obtained from the victim, the is rescheduled for a three-session evaluation. At this time the therapist will spend one to three more sessions with the child to gain more facts regarding the child’s outcry of abuse. The pediatrician can perform a medical exam and often is able to obtain information about the case. Written evaluations of each case are prepared by the therapist and pediatrician along with the video tapes of each interview and three-session evaluation. All this information is admissible in court should the findings show cause to prosecute. The victim advocate works closely with the clients and family members, introducing the child to the advocacy center and making them feel safe and comfortable before the interview, offering assistance in submitting necessary paperwork, making the family aware of victims compensation, providing professional referrals for therapeutic services, encouraging participation in the parents support group, and keeping the family apprised of the case status.