North Central Missouri Children's Advocacy Center

What happens at the Children's Advocacy Center?

The Children's Advocacy Center is a safe, child friendly location for children to come speak with trained interviewers.  This can be an anxious time for you and your family.  A child advocate will be calling you before the interview to answer any of your questions. But you don’t have to wait.  If you have questions and need answers, please call and ask to talk to the advocate assigned to your child’s case.  We would rather you call than worry.

At the Children's Advocacy Center we work with a team of professionals from law enforcement and the Department of Health and Human Services.  When you come to the Children's Advocacy Center, you will be able to meet the professionals working on your child’s case and ask them further questions.

While you’re talking to the team, an advocate will be showing your child(ren) around the Center.  They will get to see different areas of the building including the room where they will be talking to a trained professional.  If they have questions or worries, they can ask their advocate anything.

Will I be able to watch my child’s interview?

No, only professionals directly involved in the investigation are allowed to observe the interview as it's taking place.  And they do this from a room different from the one the child is in.  This is done to reduce the possible stress that can be placed on a child and to provide a neutral setting for the child and the investigation.

Most of us working at the Children's Advocacy Center are parents just like you. We understand how being in the same room with our child may influence what the child does or doesn’t say, such as if our child doesn’t answer quickly enough, we may answer for them.  It’s hard for us as a parent to sit quietly or not influence the interview with a concerned look or an emotional reaction.  

All of the interviews at the Children's Advocacy Center are recorded to minimize the number of times your child will have to talk about what happened.  The recording of the interview is turned over to law enforcement as evidence in a potential criminal case.  Missouri Revised statutes 510.035, 545.950,565.225, and 566.209 control access on who can have possession of the recording.  No custodian of the recording may release it without a court order.

What do I tell my child about coming to the Children's Advocacy Center?

You might tell your child:

“We are going to the Children's Advocacy Center.  It is a place where kids can go to talk about important stuff or things they are worried about.  The person you will be talking to talks to lots of kids about what might have happened to them.  It’s okay to tell them everything.  You are not in any trouble.”

Who will my child talk to?

Your child will be talking to a trained forensic interview specialist.  They have attended basic and advanced training on how to talk to children about difficult subjects.  It’s important that any details about the alleged abuse be coming from the child and not from someone else whom may have knowledge of the abuse.  Our interviewers are trained to not ask suggestive or leading questions and to move at a pace that is comfortable for your child.  They never force a child to talk to them.

We also offer extended forensic interviews, which allows the child to come back over several visits to talk to our interviewer. The same questioning strategies are used as in a regular interview, but we recognize that some children need more time to feel safe and comfortable with this environment and with us.  We slow the whole process down for them, but we’re not asking them the same questions over and over.  If you think your child might benefit from this extended model, be sure to let us know at the time of scheduling.

What will I be doing while my child is talking to someone?

You will be meeting with an advocate.  They want to answer any questions you have and if they don’t know the answer, it is their job to find out.  They will listen to your worries and concerns and provide resources to help you through a difficult time. Our advocates are not therapists, but they can listen and get you the help you need.

We will also be gathering a lot of information to help professionals with your case.  We track what happens with your particular case from the beginning to the end.

What happens after the interview?

You will be able to talk to members of the investigative team.  They will tell you in general terms what they can share with you from the interview.  Remember, your child’s interview is just the first step in the investigative process and investigators may not be able to tell you everything.  You will have an opportunity to ask questions and voice your concerns.

There may be other witnesses that need to be interviewed.  There may be physical evidence that needs to be photographed or collected.  At this point in the process, it’s often difficult to predict what will happen.  If there is a strong likelihood a crime has been committed, all of the information will be turned over to the prosecuting attorney who will decide whether or not to prosecute.  Your advocate will keep in regular contact to let you know what is happening on the case.  If you have questions at any point during the investigation or prosecution of your child’s case, please feel free to contact your advocate.

Parents and children are often worried about whether they will have to testify in court.  It’s really way too early to know.  If this happens, our advocate will be with you every step of the way.

Will my child need a medical exam?

Based on the allegation or the interview, the members of the investigative team may decide a medical evaluation is needed. For many children, knowing their bodies are okay is a huge relief and if seeing a medical providers will make them less worried or anxious then be sure to let us know.  That is always an option.

Children needing a medical exam are referred to Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, MO.  Doctors will want to spend some time with you to collect important medical history, but they will also want to talk to your child one-on-one to answer any of their questions.  When it comes time for the actual medical evaluation, it is up to the child who they want in the room.  Some children want their parent(s) in the room and some don’t.

Medical providers use a tool to help them see a child's body more clearly and the exam is non-invasive.  This tool is called a colposcope and it is a magnification device with a camera.  The medical provider can take a picture of what they are seeing.  If they need a second opinion, your child doesn’t have to have another exam.  They can consult with a medical peer utilizing the photographs taken during the evaluation.

When the medical evaluation is over, the medical provider will be able to tell you what he or she has learned.  It’s important to realize that in at least 95% of all cases of child sexual abuse, there are no medical findings.  That does not means something did not happen.  The medical provider can help explain this to you more fully.

Will my child need counseling?

Some children do and some don’t.  Every child is unique in how they cope.  Some may not need counseling now but may as time passes.  Maybe you need counseling more than your child to help you cope with everything that has happened.  Your advocate will listen and provide referral information.  What we do know is that children who are believed and protected from continued abuse are able to do quite well.

If your child does need counseling, it is very important to your child’s recovery that you work with a therapist specifically trained and experienced in trauma and abuse.  This is a field with special expertise.

In most instances, it is important to provide your child with an opportunity to talk with a professional.  Too often parents just want their child to “forget” about the abuse and “move on.”  That’s easier said than done.  Counseling can help your child and family through this very difficult time.  It’s best to address issues and concerns now, rather than years later.  We have a therapist available at the Children's Advocacy Center and counseling is provided free of charge to all children who receive a Forensic Interview.  Just let us know.

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Check us out at North Central Missouri Children's Advocacy Center

What is Pinwheels for Prevention?

PINWHEELS are the national symbol for child abuse and neglect prevention. The pinwheel represents our hope that every child will be raised in a healthy, safe and nurturing environment. It is also a call to action, encouraging people everywhere to recognize that children are our future and that we all have a role to play in keeping them safe. All children deserve great childhoods. Your agency or group may want to consider using Pinwheels (either alone or with Blue Ribbons) as a symbol of this positive message.

Bringing Pinwheels of Prevention to your Community

Here are some ways to bring pinwheels to your community:

Plant a Pinwheel Garden

Plant as many as you can or plant pinwheels to recognize:

• All the children born in your community during the past year.

• All the children served by your organization, program or school.

• Your own children, grandchildren or all the children in your neighborhood.

Consider Planting Pinwheels at childcare centers, schools, nursing homes, hospitals, courthouses, health departments, libraries, and other highly visible locations.

Decorate your home, office, classroom or business with Pinwheels.

Put Pinwheels In Vases or flower pots in public places such as libraries, court houses, hospitals, and banks. A small sign can be placed beside the Pinwheels to tell passersby that we all have a role to play in child abuse prevention.

To start your pinwheel garden, and to show your support, order your pinwheels today! Call 660-359-2874 or email [email protected]

National Children’s Alliance recognizes the North Central Missouri Children’s Advocacy Center for its ongoing delivery of high quality and effective services to child abuse victims through accreditation.

 Trenton, MO (October 24, 2022) – The North Central Missouri Children’s Advocacy Center has been awarded reaccreditation by National Children’s Alliance following an extensive application and site review process. As the accrediting agency for Children’s Advocacy Centers (CAC) across the country, National Children’s Alliance awards various levels of accreditation and membership to centers responding to allegations of child abuse in ways that are effective and efficient and put the needs of child victims of abuse first. Accreditation is the highest level of membership with National Children’s Alliance and denotes excellence in service provision.

Accredited CACs must undergo a reaccreditation process every five years to ensure that best practices are continually being applied. With accreditation standards being updated in 2017, reaccreditation this year reflects the North Central Missouri Children’s Advocacy commitment to providing evidence-based methods practice.

The North Central Missouri Children’s Advocacy Center was established in 2003, first accredited in 2004, re-accredited in 2010 and 2015 respectfully.  The Center goes through the accreditation process every five years.  Services provided include forensic interviews, advocacy and support, trauma counseling, multi-disciplinary team case reviews, case tracking, and medical referral for the rural Missouri counties of:  Caldwell, Carroll, Daviess, Grundy, Harrison, Linn, Livingston, Mercer, Putnam, and Sullivan.  The Center provided services to 218 children throughout 2021.  Cases can take up to two years to reach resolution. As an Accredited Member of National Children’s Alliance, the North Central Missouri Children’s Advocacy Center is dedicated to providing comprehensive, coordinated and compassionate services to victims of child abuse.

National Children’s Alliance awards Accredited Membership based on a CAC’s compliance with 10 national standards of accreditation to ensure effective, efficient and consistent delivery of services to child abuse victims. Accredited Members must utilize a functioning and effective multidisciplinary team approach to work collaboratively in child abuse investigation, prosecution and treatment. National Children’s Alliance also considers standards regarding a center’s cultural competency and diversity, forensic interviews, victim support and advocacy, medical evaluation, therapeutic intervention, and child-focused setting.

“As an organization/team of individuals dedicated to responding to child abuse, we recognize the importance of maintaining Accredited status from National Children’s Alliance. Reaccreditation not only validates our organization’s dedication to proven effective approaches of child abuse intervention and prevention but also contributes to consistency across the Children’s Advocacy Center movement as a whole,” said Verna Kelsey, Executive Director of center.

“The North Central Missouri Children’s Advocacy Center is to be commended for its continued commitment to effectively serve victims of child abuse. As the national association and accrediting body for Children’s Advocacy Centers across the country, our goal is to ensure that every victim of child abuse has access to high quality services that result from professional collaboration. By requiring Accredited Centers to undergo reaccreditation every five years, we ensure that evidence-based practices are being implemented and the highest quality of service is being provided,” remarked Teresa Huizar, executive director of National Children’s Alliance.

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The mission of the North Central Missouri Children’s Advocacy Center is to reduce the traumatic long-term effects of child abuse on children, their families and communities through coordinated child-focused services, education and advocacy.  Our role is to assist n the prevention, assessment, protection, investigation, and treatment of cases of child abuse using a multi-disciplinary team approach ~ Protecting Children, Promoting Justice ~

National Children’s Alliance makes one big difference, one child and one voice at a time. As the nonprofit association and accrediting body providing comprehensive care through hundreds of Children’s Advocacy Centers nationwide, we unify and amplify our voices to command better outcomes. With a forward-thinking approach that stays at the forefront of every child’s future, we are the beginning of child abuse’s end. For more information, visit nationalchildrensalliance.org.

The North Central Missouri Children’s Advocacy Center has been awarded a facility improvement grant in the amount of $43,902 by the Children’s Trust Fund (CTF). Funds are to address existing and aging infrastructure projects that enhance child abuse and neglect, prevention, identification, and treatment efforts in Missouri. The Children’s Trust Fund is Missouri’s foundation for child abuse prevention.

The North Central Missouri Children’s Advocacy Center has been approved for a one-year renewal of a Victim’s of Crime Act (VOCA) grant in the amount of $109,504. These funds assist in the provision of services to children reported to have been abused and their non-offending caretaker in the following counties: Caldwell, Carroll, Daviess, Grundy, Harrison, Linn, Livingston, Mercer, Putnam, and Sullivan. Services provided include forensic interviews, support and advocacy, multi-disciplinary team case reviews, and case tracking, utilizing a trauma sensitive approach with the child as the focus. The grant period runs from October 1, 2022, through September 30, 2023.

Development Coordinator & Child Advocate Amanda White has been busy this week presenting the Play it Safe program to Chillicothe Middle Schools 7th and 8th graders as well as Spickard School. Play it Safe is a prevention program that covers Cyberbullying and Sexting. If you are interested in more information on this preventative program please feel free to contact us at anytime. 

We are working on another fun fundraiser that is new to the area. We were asked to be a part of The Granny Basketball Fundraiser that is due to be held at the Ketcham Center in Trenton, MO on September 25th at 2 PM. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Children's Advocacy Center and the Gifted Group of Grundy County. There will be two games being played during the fundraiser. The first one will include Pastors Josh Gottman and Joe MacDonald that will be joined by other area pastors, Mayor Linda Crooks and members of the Retired Teachers Organization to play the Granny Basketball Team from Kansas. There will be a game between the Kansas Tonics and Meadowlarks team prior to the "main event" to showcase Granny Basketball. There will be concessions available during the game as well as a a raffle. For more information on the event check out the FB Event Grannies vs Pastors. To read more about the history check out The History of Granny Basketball. We hope to see everyone there!!