The Center for Children is a nationally accredited children's advocacy center located in Grand Junction, Colorado. We are the first stop for children in Mesa County and surrounding areas who are suspected victims of sexual and serious physical abuse and for children who may have witnessed a violent crime.
All services are provided at no charge, ever. Families need to focus on healing.
The Center for Children offers five (5) program areas to victims and their families:
FAMILY SUPPORT ADVOCACY (F.S.A)
An F.S.A is a trained neutral team member who focuses solely on the best interests of each unique child. They work in liaison with other professionals to surround the family with support services throughout the investigation, prosecution of the case, and beyond.
FORENSIC INTERVIEWS
Interviews are a legally sound, neutral, fact-finding conversation with a child led by a trained professonal to obtain details regarding the alleged abuse. They support accurate and fair decision making by the investigative team. A single conversation is coordinated to avoid repetitive interviews that may further traumatize the survivor.
SEXUAL ASSAULT NURSE EXAMINER (S.A.N.E) PROGRAM
Specially trained nurses provide medical evaluations and treatment services to all clients, regardless of age, to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of each patient. A head-to-toe exam provides differentiated medical findings that may be indicative of abuse.
THERAPY & MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM
Our highly trained team provides eveidence-based, trauma-focused mental health services designed to meet the unique needs of abused children and caregivers. This includes one-on-one therapy, family therapy, clinical case management, therapeutic trial preparation, and educational groups.
DEVELOPMENT & OUTREACH
Community prevention education is provided for adults at the Center for Children and within our community by specialized team members. Programs include Stewards of Children (English and Spanish) and Nurturing Healthy Sexual Development.