Forensic Services & Advocacy
The Crawford Child Advocacy Center provides specialized forensic services for children involved in investigations of physical abuse, sexual abuse, trafficking, or exposure to violent crimes such as domestic violence or homicide. These services—offered in a child-friendly, trauma-informed environment—include interviews conducted by highly trained professionals who understand child development, memory, and trauma.
Referrals to our center must come directly from law enforcement or the Department of Human Services (DHS). We do not accept direct requests from the public. However, if you suspect a child is being abused, PLEASE REPORT IT IMMEDIATELY.
Our forensic interviews are developmentally appropriate and non-leading, helping gather crucial information while minimizing trauma. These recorded interviews often serve as key evidence in criminal investigations and help connect children and families with needed support.
During the Appointment
When you arrive at the CAC, a staff member will greet you and welcome you into our waiting area to fill out an intake form. The CAC will provide you and your child refreshments and snacks. We have toys, books, and games to reduce anxiety and increase your child’s comfort while you are visiting. The caregiver meets with the MDT team before the child’s interview.
The Forensic Interview
After this brief meeting, our interviewer will invite your child into our child-friendly interview room. Only the investigating team and our staff are permitted to observe the interview. This is to protect the interview, the investigation, and the victim.
While the child is being interviewed, the caregiver meets with the Family Advocate to talk about anything the family needs – and how to get services and support.
After the Interview
When the interview is done, the caregiver meets with the team again to talk about what will happen next.
You will be at the CAC long enough to gather necessary information and answer all of your questions. The average length of a visit is about two hours
What is a MDT?
A “MDT” is a “multi-disciplinary team.” MDTs are formed when a concern of child abuse is reported. These teams are made up of professionals working together to promote healing and justice for your family. Common MDT members include the Family Advocate, the Forensic Interviewer, local law enforcement, DHS, and the District Attorney’s Office.
The Family Advocacy Program provides services to non-offending caregivers of children interviewed at The Crawford CAC. A Family Advocate will meet with the non-offending caregiver while their child is being interviewed.
Some services provided by our Family Advocates include:
- A supportive, welcoming, and friendly environment.
- Emotional support and crisis counseling.
- Referrals for counseling or any other services needed (i.e. domestic violence shelters, parenting classes, restraining orders, housing, etc.).
- Information about victim rights and compensation.
- Information about the child protection and criminal justice systems.
- Education about age-appropriate sexual behavior.
- Follow-up support and help, as needed.
Family Advocates are nationally certified and receive ongoing training to ensure their skills and information are current.
The Crawford CAC offers private medical exams and consultation for children and teens, and adults with cognitive disabilities who are suspected victims of abuse and other maltreatment. Our on-site facility ensures that the medical exam can happen in a warm, friendly setting without the inconvenience of a clinic’s common waiting room.
The renovated stone cottage we use for our exams also improves accessibility for other services by offering a location for forensic interviews for clients who may have difficulty with the stairs in our main building.
The medical room was made possible by many generous businesses and donors. We are particularly fortunate for the vision and expertise of pediatrician Dr. Deb Crawford, for whom our center is named and who continues to serve victims of abuse by offering medical exams for the children who come to the CAC.
We recommend that children who may have been abused receive an examination in a child-friendly environment by a healthcare professional with child abuse expertise. If your child visits us for a forensic interview, he or she may be offered a medical exam.
DO:
- Tell your child they will be visiting a child-friendly house.
- Give your permission to talk with the interviewers.
- Tell you child it is a safe place to talk openly and honestly.
- Tell your child that the person they will talk to is someone who talks to kids every day.
- Try to remain calm.
- Tell your child you will be in another room during an interview, and that you will not be leaving them
- Consider bringing an item that comforts your child, such as a blanket or toy.
DON’T
- Tell your child what to say.
- Promise treats or rewards to your child for talking.
- Try to answer questions that you don’t know.