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Over the years Abigail’s Arms has grown and expanded our services. When asked, most people know we are an Emergency Shelter. Often, they do not know the comprehensive services we provide. As an umbrella organization (one agency with several programs) we focus on assisting people who are a victim of a violent crime. While each of our programs: Emergency Shelter, Crime Victim Services, Child Advocacy Center (CAC), and Community Advocacy and Prevention Education (CAPE), are distinct and focused on their individual program goals we all work together to provide for the needs of each client.
April is Child Abuse Awareness Month. All our programs help and work with children, but for our Child Advocacy Center staff, kids are their heart and passion. Referrals to the CAC Program come primarily from the Department of Family and Protective Services or from Law Enforcement but can also be internally referred for services. The CAC is the cog in the wheel that provides justice for our most vulnerable clients. By being the neutral center to this Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) we are tasked to help focus the MDT on the child’s needs and support that child and family as they move through the judicial system.
This support can include –
- Forensic Interview – a one to one conversation between a child victim and a trained interviewer to allow the child to tell their story in their own words. This one interview is used by investigators to conduct their fact-finding purpose and not have to repeatedly question the child.
- Family Advocacy – providing support to the non-offending caregiver as they navigate what has happened to their child. This can include family meetings to help them understand processes, assistance with family needs (food, clothing, furnishings for a child now in their custody), education in how to best help the child and many more support services.
- Follow-up advocacy and MDT coordination – our staff is available to clients as they move through their story to provide support and guidance. In addition, the child’s case is staffed at each MDT meeting to check in on status and to collaborate on how best to help the family.
- Counseling and Skills Training – working with the child (and family) through Counseling or Play Therapy and using Skills Training to help with behavioral concerns that stem from the victimization and aftermath of the child making their outcry.
As with all Abigail’s Arms programs these services are free and confidential.
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