SLO County opens Child Advocacy Center for victims of abuse and families
The San Luis Obispo District Attorney’s Office announced the opening of a new service center for child victims of abuse and their families.
According to a news release from the District Attorney’s Office, the newly-introduced Child Advocacy Center of San Luis Obispo County is a one-stop center for multi-disciplinary services — the result of a collaborative effort between the Center for Family Strengthening, San Luis Obispo County Health Agency, Child Welfare Services, Sheriff’s Office, Suspected Abuse Response Team, Victim Witness Assistance Center and local law enforcement agencies.
Through the Child Advocacy Center, the District Attorney’s Office and partner agencies will offer child-focused, trauma-informed support to victims of child abuse and aid in the prosecution of abusers in appropriate cases.
Plans for a Child Advocacy Center have been in the works since 2018, when the county’s District Attorney’s Office and Health Agency started a partnership with the Center for Family Strengthening in San Luis Obispo County, according to the release.
The goal was to develop a safe, trauma-informed space where child victims of physical and sexual abuse can take part in a single comprehensive forensic interview administered by a District Attorney’s Office Child Forensic Interviewer, according to the release.
Child victims can also participate in a forensic medical exam administered by a Health Agency doctor or nurse to gather physical evidence in a criminal investigation and receive comprehensive advocacy services necessary for physical and mental well being and healing, according to the release.
“Confidentiality is the cornerstone of child abuse investigations,” Child Abuse Interview Team program manager Katie Robinson said in the release. “This space will assure that children and families can access services and make sure that their safely and well being is assessed appropriately. There is a team of doctors, family advocates, interviewers and nurses that are available at all times to assist law enforcement and child welfare services during child abuse investigations.”
According to the release, the space is designed to be inviting and friendly, with toys, books, televisions and comfortable seating areas available for guests.
Edgar, a yellow lab with the District Attorney’s Courthouse Dog Program, will also be available to comfort the children and their families during their time at the center, according to the release.
“Our Child Advocacy Center is designed around those who deserve our protection and compassion,” District Attorney Dan Dow said in the release. “The District Attorney’s Office, with support of our partners, Center for Family Strengthening and the Public Health Agency, has created a child focused location that will allow for the comprehensive delivery of services for victims of child abuse.”
He continued: “The District Attorney’s Office is committed to holding those accountable who harm our children and will work collaboratively with our partners who support and guide our families through the criminal and victim justice system.”
This story was originally published September 14, 2024 at 12:00 PM.
