Day 6 of Asher's Journey

Part 1 - Assessment Morning

Today & Tomorrow's emails will break down what a child experiences during their actual assessment day at the Amani Center. Friday's email will share what's happening internally during that day, as well as report some initial findings from follow up medical referrals. A lot happens in this short timeframe.

ASSESSMENT MORNING

Before Asher and Mom arrive at the Amani Center, the center is alive with preparations and connections.

Law Enforcement (LE) and Child Protective Services (CPS) staff have arrived and are sharing information with the Assessment team (Medical Provider, Jennifer and Forensic Interviewers, Terri and Michelle). Victim Advocate Alexa is making sure the family room is warm and comfortable, and she’s also setting up the medical exam room.

Law Enforcement and Child Protective Services Staff are set up in the Observation room. This room is central in our building but closed off from the rest of the shared spaces. It is a confidential area for complex discussions, and allows LEA and CPS staff to observe the assessment without the child or family having to interact with them, unless they want to. Asher and Mom arrive at the center. They are warmly greeted by Victim Advocate Alexa who takes them to the Family Room where they can make themselves comfortable. Both Asher and Mom seem a bit anxious but Asher sees the toys from the day before and begins to play. When Alexa offers snacks and drinks, Mom asks for a coffee. Alexa also brings Asher some hot chocolate and a granola bar.

The Assessment team come in to introduce themselves and explain the process for the day. They get Asher’s permission to meet with Mom while Asher plays with Alexa.

Medical Provider Jennifer and Forensic Interviewer Terri meet with Mom gathering medical information, updates on how Asher is doing and some social and family history information. They explain the process to Mom and give her the opportunity to ask questions.

Asher is playing with Alexa in the family room and asks if there are more granola bars. Asher would like a few to take home for later because they would be really nice to have when Asher isn’t able to have breakfast.

Mom comes back to the family room and lets Asher know that it is their turn to talk to the Assessment Team. She assures Asher that these are safe people to talk to and encourages Asher to tell the truth.

Before Asher’s assessment Victim Advocate Alexa let the Assessment team know that food insecurity might be a concern for Asher. Intake Coordinator Kimmy relayed the concerns about Domestic Violence. Law Enforcement notes that they have received calls from neighbors in the past with concerns that they had heard yelling in the home.

ASSESSMENT MORNING CONSIDERATIONS

FOOD INSECURITY

Feeding America reports that 1 in 8 kids are at risk for hunger in the United States.

The Columbia Pacific Food bank reports that in Columbia County, 1 in 4 kids is food insecure. For resources addressing local food insecurity, you can reach out to Columbia Pacific Food Bank. There are even new evening food pantry hours on some Wednesdays from 6-8pm.

Children who are food insecure often want to ask a lot of questions about food. They may want to keep their own stash of food. They may binge eat when food is available, try to sneak food or get upset when they don’t have access.

The Amani Center always makes sure to have plenty of snacks and quick meal options available for children and caregivers at the center. We also connect families with resources if food insecurity is an identified need.

Food insecurity can also be a component of child abuse, either through neglect (no food purchased or provided for a child who is unable to access or prepare their own) or through restriction and/or force.

NON-DISCLOSURE

There are a lot of reasons why children might not disclose abuse. Children are often fearful of outcomes. They may have been told not to tell, been threatened, or may feel guilty about what has happened. These are just a few of the pressures that children face when making the choice to tell or not.

If you have questions about our program, please don't hesitate to reach out to Beth or Amelia at info@amanicenter.org. We are happy to discuss what the Amani Center does for the children in our community.