PROGRAMS
MULTIDISCIPLINARY INVESTIGATIVE TEAM
Working as a team enables mandated investigators to respond promptly and sensitively to allegations of child abuse. Coordinated efforts assists in minimizing the number of times, and the number of persons, to whom a child has to discuss their experiences. Cases referred to the child advocacy center are reviewed by members of the multidisciplinary investigative team to provide the best all-inclusive services to children and families.
FORENSIC INTERVIEWS
Forensic interviews are conducted by individuals trained in nationally certified interviewing protocols. Designed to minimize trauma to child victims, Butler County Alliance for Children offers sensitive and legally sound forensic interviewing services.
Child victims are interviewed while members of the multidisciplinary investigative team observe the process from a remote location. This protocol minimizes the likelihood of child victims having to "tell their story" more than one time; which overall minimizes the trauma the investigative process can have on a child and their non-offending family members.
VICTIM ADVOCACY
Through a collaborative agreement with Victim Outreach Intervention Center (VOICe), Butler County Alliance for Children connects all children referred to the child advocacy center and their non-offending family members, to victim advocacy services. Victim Advocates assist families by providing information pertaining to victim rights, safety concerns and referral information. Victim advocates are also able to assist children and families as they navigate the investigative and criminal court process.
FORENSIC MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS
Through a collaborative agreement with Butler Health System, Butler County Alliance for Children is able to offer forensic medical evaluations and treatment to children identified as potential victims of child abuse. Services are provided by medical professional trained in treating children who are victims of child sexual and/or physical abuse.
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
Through collaborative agreements with mental health providers throughout Butler County, Butler County Alliance for Children provides child victims and their non-offending family members with referrals to community service providers.
PROFESSIONAL AND COMMUNITY TRAINING AND PREVENTION PROGRAMS
Throughout the year, Butler County Alliance for Children offers training opportunities to professional discplines and community members. Trainings vary, but include topics pertaining to the identification and reporting of child abuse and prevention programming focused on helping parents keep their children safe within their own community.