RESOURCES FOR CAREGIVERS
WE’RE SORRY THIS HAPPENED,
BUT WE’RE GLAD YOU’RE HERE.
When a child faces the trauma of abuse or neglect, families can feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what to do next. Jo Ann’s Place is here to guide you through those first crucial steps toward recovery and resilience. Our safe, compassionate environment is a place where you can receive the support you need with guidance and understanding every step of the way.
YOU’RE NOT ALONE.
WE’RE HERE FOR YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY!
We know that coming here means something hard has happened, and we're really sorry that you've had to go through it. Here at Jo Ann’s Place, we have caring people who are ready to listen and help!
We’ll talk with you, answer your questions, make sure you feel safe and supported and help you feel better by providing a comfortable place where you can get the help you need.
The first step your child may experience is a forensic interview. Click here to learn more about the process and here to find out what to expect.
THE CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY MODEL IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE APPROACH FOR TREATING AND SUPPORTING CHILD VICTIMS.
The Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) model was developed in the 1980s as a response to the fragmented and often traumatic system children faced when reporting abuse. Today, the CAC model is used nationwide to promote safety, healing, and justice for children and their families while providing a safe, comprehensive response to child abuse.
The child-friendly approach combines all necessary services—law enforcement, medical, mental health, and child protective services—under one roof. This coordinated, multidisciplinary approach ensures children are supported and their families receive comprehensive care while minimizing re-traumatization and promoting healing while seeking justice.
SERVICES THAT YOU MAY NEED AT OUR CENTER
-
FORENSIC INTERVIEW
A neutral, fact-finding process conducted by a specially trained professional to gather accurate information from a child in a non-threatening environment which is legally defensible in court.
-
FAMILY ADVOCACY
Our family advocate is integral to the support and healing process. They help reduce stress and uncertainty and guide families through what can be an overwhelming experience.
-
FORENSIC MEDICAL EXAM
Our center has a dedicated medical provider right on-site. Forensic medical examinations are performed by a medical provider specifically trained in the investigation and treatment of child sexual and physical abuse.
-
MENTAL HEALTH
Our mental health team is committed to helping children who have experienced abuse and/or neglect heal from trauma through evidence-based, outpatient treatment in our child-friendly clinic.
-
MDT
A Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) is a collaborative group of professionals from various fields who come together to address the often complex issues related to child abuse cases.
-
ABUSE PREVENTION
1 in 10 children will be abused before their 18th birthday. Children’s Advocacy Centers raise community awareness about child abuse and provide resources for the safety and protection of children.
WHY IT WORKS.
Children’s Advocacy Centers put the child victims' safety, comfort, and well-being first while coordinating all necessary services in a single, streamlined process that reduces trauma and supports healing.
HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES
Early intervention and therapy through a children's advocacy center can reduce the risk of long-term psychological impacts of abuse (i.e., anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder), helping children heal and build healthier futures.
Long-term negative effects from abuse and neglect such as mental health issues, crime, or unemployment, are expensive. Trauma therapy helps foster a more resilient and healthy population.
CHILD-CENTERED
Our welcoming, non-threatening space where children feel safe is led by a highly trained center director who conducts (and records) a professional forensic interview. They help ease anxiety and allow child victims to speak freely during interviews.
FORENSIC INTERVIEWING EXPERTISE
Our highly trained forensic interviewer uses research-based methods to talk with children in a way that avoids leading questions and allows children to share information in their own words. Often recorded, the interview can minimize the need for children to relive their experiences repeatedly.
ON-SITE MEDICAL
A medical provider, specifically trained in sexual abuse examinations, conducts a forensic medical exam on-site, often eliminating the need for an emergency room visit.
TRAUMA THERAPY
Our clinical therapists are trained in trauma-informed care and specialize in working with children who have experienced abuse. Evidence-based techniques help children process their experiences in a safe and manageable way.
MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM COLLABORATION
A team of professionals—such as forensic interviewers, law enforcement, child protective services, medical staff, and mental health providers—works together under one roof. This collaborative approach ensures the child's well-being is prioritized, reduces the need for multiple interviews, lessens trauma, and assures cases are managed efficiently.
HOLISTIC SUPPORT
With everything needed for healing under one roof, we can guide child victims and their nonoffending caregivers through every aspect of the healing and legal process. Families receive support from therapy to victim advocacy throughout the investigative and judicial process, easing their burden and helping them understand each step.
REDUCED COURT TRAUMA
Since we gather comprehensive evidence in a child-friendly way, CACs often help build strong cases, which can reduce the child’s need for courtroom testimony and make legal proceedings smoother.
REFERRALS, OUTREACH & DONATIONS:
Requests for forensic interviews and child medical exams (referrals) must come from the Department of Social Services or law enforcement. If you are a referring agency, please contact our director.
For trauma-specific mental health referrals, contact our family advocate.
For community outreach, child abuse prevention education, special events, or to make a donation, contact our director.
