News/Blog

Family advocates play a neutral role when supporting families from the time their child discloses of abuse all the way through the court process and beyond. Three advocates at Clifford Beers CATCH Program shared how they assist families in meeting basic and emotional needs while navigating the criminal justice system. Many families face challenges when first accessing assistance. These advocates walk alongside the family through the process, help answer questions, make referrals to assist in meeting basic needs, and provide education on victims rights and the dynamics of abuse.. The advocates shared that most children and their caregivers feel overwhelmed or even frightened by the words “DCF” or “Police Officer”. An advocate can help by educating them about the involvement and role of these professionals. These advocates hearts are full and are ready to help both children and their families when they need it. These services are free and available in both English and Spanish.

“In English, all the information we give can be confusing to parents and children, imagine hearing it in a different language it’s like a whole other world. We are here to help assist those families that need translations in order for them to fully understand and comprehend the process.” -Maria Negron-Hart, Family Advocate-Clifford Beers

“The number of false reports is vastly overestimated. Common responses to trauma are often viewed as evidence of unreliability…” Read more about why victims of sexual abuse can take a while to report their assault: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/18/us/kavanaugh-christine-blasey-ford.html

Our medical providers play a vital role in meeting the needs of the children and families served by offering specialized medical exams at no cost. This includes providing information and education to help ensure that the children feel comfortable and educated about their bodies. By giving the child an opportunity to talk about their bodies, it can help make them feel protected and supported.

“We don’t want the child to feel revictimized, therefore we don’t have any surprises. We educate them through the entire visit to ensure they’re comfortable” – Dr. Lisa Pavlovic, Yale Child Abuse Clinic Medical Director.

This principle is something that is widely practiced at the South Central Child Advocacy Center, especially by our Child Life Specialists (CLS). CLS work with children and families to help them cope with all sorts of challenges. They provide information, support, and guidance to the children, parents, siblings, and other family members . Child Life Specialist, Victoria Isaacson prioritizes providing emotional support and making sure that the child is coping successfully throughout the appointment.

“The child is our main focus from start to finish” -Victoria Isaacson, MA, CCLS, NCC

Continuity and Transition is one of the 8 principles of patient centered care. Victims often worry about their ability to cope after their traumatic experiences. Yale Child Abuse Clinic Forensic Interviewer Leah Smith works closely with these children and their families to make sure that they feel safe and well cared for throughout the entire process. One of Leah’s jobs is to make follow up phone calls with the children and their families to make sure that they are connected and comfortable with mental health services even after they leave the clinic.

“The ultimate goal is to make the child feels heard, feels safe and ensure that child has been connected to appropriate medical and mental health services.” -Leah Smith, LCSW

October is Patient-Centered Care Awareness Month! The SCCAC strives to put the needs of the children and families we serve first.  This helps to ensure that they receive the best care possible! For the entire month of October, we will explore  how different team members utilize this approach.  To learn more check out click here.

Stay tuned!

To make a child abuse or neglect report, please call the DCF care line at 1-800-842-2288

Summer is quickly approaching, check out these tips published by the CDC to help keep kids safe while enjoying all that summer has to offer!

https://www.cdc.gov/family/kids/summer/index.htm

What is a child advocacy center? Where did they come from? What purpose do they serve? Why do children need the services they provide? If you have ever wondered, check out this link to CityLab’s article to help share the story of Children’s Advocacy Centers.

Click HERE

How childhood trauma affects health across a lifetime

“Exposure to trauma during childhood can dramatically increase people’s risk for 7 out of 10 of the leading causes of death in the U.S.—including high blood pressure, heart disease, and cancer—and it’s crucial to address this public health crisis, according to Harvard Chan alumna Nadine Burke Harris, MPH ’02.”

Watch her TED talk HERE