CARTERSVILLE, GA – NOVEMBER 1, 2018: The start of November brings cooler temperatures, the end of daylight savings time, and a decade of service provided to the Bartow County community by the Children’s Advocacy Center and Multidisciplinary Team.
From its inception in 2008, more than 1,500 children have bravely told their stories of abuse and violence in a safe, trauma-sensitive and child-friendly environment. The investigative interview, which is conducted by a trained forensic interviewer, is recorded to reduce the need for the child to tell his or her story over and over to different agencies and having to relive the trauma of what they have experienced each time. Every interview at the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) is overseen and followed up by our area Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) which is made up of law enforcement, medical personnel, district attorney’s office, school systems, mental health professionals, juvenile court staff, court-appointed special advocates (CASA), and child protective services. Having these agencies working collaboratively together ensures all cases involving child victims are handled with the highest level of attention and follow through. The MDT meets monthly to keep all agencies in communication about the updates and progression of cases involving child victims.
In addition to conducting the forensic interview, the CAC program also provides services to the non-offending caregivers, the child victim(s), and other family members. Services include a needs assessment, referrals to various community resources, connection to the local victim’s rights agency, client education, and ongoing support throughout the investigation, intervention, and treatment process. Referrals are also made to the appropriate medical and therapeutic providers as needed.
With the CAC being one of seven programs offered by the Advocates for Children organization, Amanda Tant – Director of the Children’s Advocacy Center, was asked how her program fits with the work of Advocates:
“The overall vision of our organization is that all children are respected and loved, happy and thriving. The CAC and MDT are actively working together every day to ensure this for more children. Regardless of whether a perpetrator can be brought to justice, we are able to collaborate with our MDT partners to make sure the child is safe and to make sure the child receives the best mental health and medical services.”
Anyone interested in becoming more informed on how to prevent child sexual abuse is encouraged to participate in Darkness to Light – Stewards of Children training. During the prevention training, you’ll hear stories from survivors and learn concrete steps that you can take to protect children. One of the most important topics covered is how to react once a child reveals abuse and what to do next. When a child discloses abuse to an adult, that is the moment when they learn whether others can be trusted to stand up for them. Once certified in Stewards of Children, adults will feel empowered to take action to protect the children in their lives. Participation in this training is an investment in your community and the lives of any children around you.
To schedule Darkness to Light – Stewards of Children training or to learn more information, please contact Amanda Tant at 678-605-9023.
More information about the Advocates for Children organization and the other programs and services they provide can be found at www.advochild.org.
(Multidisciplinary Team photo attached)
About Advocates for Children: Advocates for Children is a non-profit organization dedicated to the treatment and prevention of child abuse in all its forms. Through state and nationally recognized programs, Advocates works to create a world where all children are respected and loved, happy and thriving. A strong base of support allows our team to respond readily to those who need our help in Bartow County, and surrounding North Georgia areas.
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1st row:
Sarah Wilson, Bartow DFCS
Jen Hauge, CAC Family Advocate
Michaela LaFrance, Bartow County Sheriff’s Office
Jamie Saye, Sexual Assault Center of NWGA
Brittany Fogg, CAC Intern
Christy Prince, Bartow/Gordon District Attorney’s Office
Montana Wilson, CAC Forensic Interviewer
2nd row:
Carolyn Johnson, Bartow Juvenile Court
Amanda Tant, CAC Director
Ava Lipscomb, Director, Court Appointed Special Advocate
Rhea Kisling, Highland Rivers
Megan Kincer, Bartow County Sheriff’s Office
3rd row:
Allen McNelis, Euharlee Police Department
Ryan Albright, Cartersville Police Department
Eric Burns, Adairsville Police Department
Denise Barry, Cartersville Police Department