
Visiting Our Center
About Your Child’s Visit To the Center
We know that when something may have happened to your child, it is a difficult, stressful, and confusing time for your family. We hope this information helps you understand what to expect before, during, and after your child’s visit to the Adams County Children’s Advocacy Center (ACCAC).
Our child-friendly facility and services are designed to reduce possible stress on your child and provide a safe, comfortable, neutral setting. The ACCAC staff are here to provide a continuum of services in one location (the ACCAC) to help your child and your family heal from the trauma of abuse. We are here for as long as you want and need our help.
The ACCAC coordinates a multi-disciplinary team of professionals to respond to reports of child abuse, neglect or exploitation; and in cases of a child witnessing violence. The ACCAC works with social workers, police, prosecutors, advocates, and medical and mental health professionals to provide high-quality, specialized services for these children.
Working together, the team’s objectives are to:
- Minimize the impact of trauma on your child and your family
- Focus on restoring your child’s physical and emotional health
- Provide consistent, quality services in a culturally competent manner
- Work collaboratively to provide a coordinated, multidisciplinary response to reports of child abuse and neglect throughout each phase of your child’s case.
Most reports of child abuse require an interview of the child. To limit the number of times your child needs to be interviewed, ACCAC coordinates an initial (forensic) interview. This interview typically involves a specially-trained ACCAC staff member who talks with your child about things that may have happened to them or things they may have witnessed. Team members directly involved with the investigation observe the interview from another room via video.
Frequently Asked Questions:
You Have the Most Critical Role in Your Child’s Healing
Many children who visit ACCAC have been traumatized by past and ongoing experiences. We want to support you and convey hope that your child’s trauma can be healed.
Children experience their world in the context of family relationships. You are your child’s most important protector and supporter. The traumatic event your child has experienced may be stressful and traumatic for you as well. Taking care of yourself helps you take care of your child. Our Child & Family Advocates are here to help you deal with your family’s situation, identify needed resources and supports, and prepare you for future challenges.