Programs and Services

• Forensic Interviews are conducted in a child friendly interview room set up with a hidden camera and microphone.  The trained interviewer is prepared to assist the child to disclose the facts as it relates to the alleged abuse.   The forensic interviewers receive extensive training and support in order to work with children who have been allegedly abused.

• Counseling & Assessments are conducted by a licensed psychologist.  The psychologist conducts assessments to assist in the investigation of a case where allegations of abuse have been disclosed.  The psychologist also develops a treatment plan for both the individual child and non-offending family members.  Psychological services are provided to families at no cost.   Treatment can also be on-going for as long as is in need of counseling.

• Therapy is provided by a licensed professional counselor.  The therapist is provides counseling to children and their families who are victims of domestic violence, kidnapping, drugs, and other crimes that may negatively affect the families.  All services are provided at no cost to the families.

• Multidisciplinary Review Team (MDT) is a group of diverse agencies consisting of law enforcement agencies, District Attorney’s Office, child protective services, CAC staff and County Attorney’s Office. On a weekly basis the MDT review cases of children who have been allegedly abused.  Discuss on cases are held to determine if there is enough evidence to pursue prosecution against the alleged perpetrator.  This is an important component as it brings justice to children who have been traumatized by abuse.

• Victim’s Assistance Services is facilitated by a Victims Services Coordinator (VSC). The VSC assists families by completing the Victim’s Compensation Application which will assist with costs related to the alleged abuse or crime.  The Victims Services Coordinator also provides social service related assistance to ensure the non-offending family members and the victim receive the needed services to get through the trauma of the abuse.

• Child Advocacy is facilitated by a Child Advocate who helps children get through the process of forensic interviews an through trial. The Child Advocate along with the child and his/her family participate in a mock trial before appearing at the actual trial. This is to done to alleviate some fears a child may have prior to their court date.  The Child Advocate also provides a tour and an orientation the agency. The Child Advocates describes and familiarizes the child on the procedures of a forensic interview.

• P.S. It's My Body is sexual child abuse prevention and personal safety curriculum facilitated by the Child Advocate and other staff members. The program engages and teaches children and adolescents about personal safety using activities and a video.  The program emphasizes what is permissible touch and who they can turn to when they feel uncomfortable or if “something bad” as occurred. This program is taught at different locations such as schools and daycare.  Classes will begin at the new facility in September 2007. 

• Child Fatality Review Team is a group of agencies such as law enforcement, District Attorney’s Office, CPS and CAC staff.  The team meets on a quarterly basis or on as needed basis to review cases of child deaths. The team makes recommendations on topics that may be considered trends to the Texas Department of Family Protective Services

• Safe Exchange Services is a component of the Safe Haven Program.  Exchanges are provided to help custodial and non-custodial parents to exchange their children as ordered by the courts. A process is in place where children are dropped off at Safe Haven by the custodial parent and picked up by the non-custodial parent using a different time and different entrance. The same procedure is used when non-custodial parent returns the child.

• Supervised Visitation Program is a component of the Safe Haven Program. Supervised Visitations provided to ensure that children and their non-custodial parent can meet in a safe and secured environment.  Supervised visitations are scheduled to meet the requirements of court orders given to the clients.  A procedure has been put in place to ensure the safety of both parents and children as an effort to not violate any court orders. 

• CPS Supervised Visitation component of the Safe Haven Program. Visitation services are provided to families referred by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services

.