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Champaign County, Illinois Local Government Information Center | ||
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Champaign County Children's Advocacy CenterMichael Williams, Executive DirectorParents & Clients Info
Dear Parents/Caregivers WHAT IS THE CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTER?The Children’s Advocacy Center is a safe, welcoming place where children suspected of being
abused are interviewed by specially-trained professionals and where they and their families
receive services designed to promote healing To ensure an appropriate, coordinated response to allegations of child sexual assault and serious physical abuse, our team of professionals includes representatives of local police departments, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, the State’s Attorney’s Office, medical practitioners, educators, therapists, caseworkers, and victim advocates. Whenever a law enforcement agency or the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services receive a report of sexual or serious physical abuse of a child under age 18, they will contact the Children’s Advocacy Center to schedule an interview. If your child is reported to have been the victim of sexual assault or serious physical abuse, he or she will be brought to the Children’s Advocacy Center where they will be interviewed by a member of the multi-disciplinary team. Prior to the interview, the interviewer will take time to make sure your child is comfortable with them and will make sure that your child knows you are available if they need you. Your child will know where you are while they are being interviewed. The interview will take place in a comfortable, child-focused room. One person will be designated to conduct the
interview, usually a police officer or an investigator from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
Interviewers have received specialized training in how to conduct interviews with child victims. While the interview
is taking place, other members of the multi-disciplinary team will
While your child is being interviewed, you will be asked to meet with our Case Manager. Our Case Manager will obtain from you information about your child’s history and will talk with you about community services available to assist your child and your family with the healing process. We will also make referrals to link you and other family members with needed services. Our services do not end when you leave the Children’s Advocacy Center. Our Case Manager will stay in touch with you and will help you with any difficulties you might experience in accessing services. We will also assist you throughout any legal proceedings which may arise as a result of the investigation.The Children’s Advocacy Center will do everything possible to support you and your child throughout the healing process. We encourage you to let us know if there is anything we can do to help. Revised August, 2010 If you suspect abuse, call
your local police department or | |
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and reduce the trauma of abuse. Children up to the age of 18 may be interviewed at the
Children's Advocacy Center.
view the interview from a separate observation room via closed circuit television. Your child will be informed that other
professionals are observing the interview. The interview will be audio and visually recorded to provide an accurate record
of your child’s behavior and statements as well as to document that the interview techniques used were appropriate and legally sound.