 The
Family Services Program, consisting of a full-time family advocate/volunteer
coordinator and community volunteers, provides several services for child
victims of abuse and their families.
Assessment and Referral
Linkage
The family advocate initially meets with families to determine their needs
and provide support. The advocate then links families with appropriate
community resources based on the needs assessment.
Court Preparation
The Children’s Advocacy Center helps to prepare children and their
families for court should their case go to trial. The family advocate
or community volunteers provide court preparation through a national curriculum
entitled Kids Kourt. Kids Kourt is specifically designed for children
and explains the trial process in a way that children can understand.
Kids Kourt also includes a miniature courtroom model that is kept at the
center and allows the child to see what an actual courtroom will look
like. In addition, center staff or volunteers coordinate with the criminal
district attorney’s office to schedule a courthouse visit in order
to familiarize the child and their family with the courtroom before the
trial begins.
Court Accompaniment
During the trial, the family advocate or community volunteers provide
court accompaniment for the family and child. The trial can often be an
emotional time for children, and the center works to provide emotional
support during this difficult time.
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