Help. Hope. Healing

Services of the Center for Children

The Center for Children helps ensure the needs of abused children and their families in our community are met by facilitating and coordinating the work of partner agencies such as the 21st Judicial District Attorney's Office, mental health providers, the medical community, the Mesa County Department of Human Services, and local law enforcement agencies, which include the Mesa County Sheriff's Office and the Grand Junction, Fruita, and Palisade Police Departments. The Center for Children also provides direct, supportive services to victims, families, and individuals who come through our doors. 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!
 
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.

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.