Child & Family Advocacy

We collaborate with law enforcement, child protection, county attorneys, advocates, mental health and medical professionals in one location, so that children no longer need to tell their story of abuse over and over again.

We work together to ensure that children and their families get access to appropriate medical and mental health services right away.

We facilitate our partner’s collaborative response.

We arrange families’ visit to the center, including provision of support services.

We conduct forensic interviews.

We provide family advocacy and crisis intervention services.

We provide services at no cost to families. 

What to expect during your visit?

The professionals working on your child’s case come together to meet with you. We know this is a very difficult time for your family. You will receive support and services to help you through the process.

A trained child forensic interviewer will interview your child. The interviewer will record the interview. So that way your child does not have to keep talking about the situation over and over with many professionals.

How much time will the appointment take?

You should plan for at least two and a half hours for your appointment to meet with team members.

What will happen at the appointment?

Your child will be interviewed in a child-friendly manner. After the interview, you will receive information and support. You will meet with team members such as a detective, interviewer, and family support person before and after your child’s interview.

What should I tell my child about the appointment?

Please tell your child that she or he will be meeting with a person whose job is to talk with children. You can let your child know that “It’s okay to talk about anything, and it is important to tell the truth”. You can tell your child that they are safe and that they will not get in trouble for telling.

If someone has already told you what happened, please don’t ask your child about it. If your child has already told you what happened, please don’t ask your child about it again. If your child has not told you, please don’t ask your child. We understand that this will be difficult, but it truly is in your child’s best interest to not talk to them about what happened before the interview. There is less chance of the child being embarrassed, confused, or traumatized. You will find out more at the appointment.

When should I tell my child about the appointment?

Usually a day is enough time for a child to know about the appointment.

Who can come to the Child Advocacy Program?

If you need to bring other children with you, please try to bring someone to help watch them so that you can meet with the team. If you don’t have anyone to help watch your children, please let the Child Advocacy Program staff know before your appointment.

IMPORTANT, PLEASE NOTE: The person who is alleged to have hurt or abuse the child should not bring the child to the appointment and cannot be in the building.

Can I stay with my child during the interview?

It is important for the interviewer to talk with your child without you there. Children can feel more scared or ashamed if they know their parents are watching. The interview is observed and recorded so that the team members do not have to keep talking to your child over and over again.

Who can make a referral for a forensic interview?

All our referrals come from Child Protection and Law Enforcement.

Where do we serve?

We are located in Worthington, MN. We serve Nobles County, Murray County, Rock County and Pipestone County.

If your suspect that a child has been sexually and/physically abuse or if a child has disclosed allegations of abuse to you, immediately call the Child Protection Department of your area or to 911. Your call is confidential and you can remain anonymous.