Services of the Center for Children
Our services are not limited to Mesa County. If needed, we will assist any referring law enforcement or human services agency from across the United States.
VICTIM SUPPORT & ADVOCACY
Victim advocates are team members 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. All children who come through the Center for Children on a child welfare or law enforcement referral has a dedicated staff advocate assigned at the inception of their case.
FORENSIC INTERVIEWING
Forensic interviewers produce legally sound, neutral, fact-finding conversations with a child intended to obtain details regarding an allegation of abuse. They support accurate and fair decision-making by the investigative team. Typically, a single conversation is coordinated to avoid repetitive interviews that may further traumatize the victim, though specialized interviewing strategies may be used to best benefit the child's opportunity to tell their story.
MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS
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. The Center for Children works with the all-female nurse staff of the Mesa County SANE Program (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners) who conduct these non-invasive, patient led examinations.
MENTAL HEALTH
Our highly trained team provides evidence-based, trauma-focused mental health services designed to meet the unique needs of abused children. This includes one-on-one therapy, clinical case management, therapeutic trial preparation, and psychoeducation for both the child and their caregiver(s). Therapy referrals to staff therapists often come through cases seen at the Center for Children or another sister child advocacy center.
PREVENTION EDUCATION
Community prevention education is provided for adults at the Center for Children and within our community by team faciliators. Programs include Stewards of Children (English and Spanish) and Nurturing Healthy Sexual Development.
What is a Child Advocacy Center?
Want to learn more about what a child advocacy center is? Click the picture above for a quick overview of the importance of child advocacy centers for children and families.
IF YOU SUSPECT ABUSE
CALL 970-242-1211
OR DIAL 911
If you suspect child abuse - or if a child tells you about abuse - making a report is very important! You cannot get into trouble or lose your job for making a report that turns out to be unfounded if you had good intentions when you made the report.All calls remain anonymous.
Reports of known or suspected child abuse or neglect should be made immediately to the Mesa County Department of Human Services Child Protection Hotline at (970) 242-1211 or a local law enforcement agency at 911.
Click here to learn more.
