Joint forensic interviews with law enforcement detectives and child protective services caseworkers.
Traditionally, investigation of child sexual abuse required multiple interviews of the child victim by police, social services, medical personnel, psychologists and attorneys. Each interview occurred at a different place and rarely in a setting that was familiar or comfortable for the child. The Children’s Justice Center is a place for the child with a home-like environment, where the necessary interviews can occur in an atmosphere that is non-threatening to the child.
A comprehensive interview that addresses the concerns of all the agencies investigating the case will be conducted by one team member. This team member, the clinical coordinator and the victim/witness assistant are the consistent contacts between the child and the Center. The focus and function of the CJC is to reduce the trauma of the child abuse investigation and help the child feel safe to reveal the truth. Additionally, the center provides emotional support for the child and non-offending family members, as well as referrals to treatment and other needed community resources.
CJC Model
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