Prior to the opening of the Children's Assessment Center,
abused children referred to Child Protective Services, often
had to endure a number of interviews performed by the multiple
agencies involved in the investigation of the case. Often victimized
children suffered unnecessary trauma in this process.
In an effort to minimize that trauma, a task force was established
by the Children's Network Policy Council in 1992 to explore
the possibility of creating a quality comprehensive program
to provide forensic interviews and evidentiary medical exams
in one child friendly location for sexually abused children
in San Bernardino County. The task force consisted of representatives
from Child Protective Services, County Medical Center, Public
Health, Behavioral Health, the District Attorney's office, Sheriff's
Office, Juvenile Court, Family Law Court, County Counsel, Children's
Network, Children's Fund and Loma Linda University Medical Center.
Subsequently, partnership between the County of San Bernardino
and Loma Linda University Children's Hospital was formed to
develop a one-stop Center where victims of child sexual abuse
could receive forensic interviews and evidentiary medical exams
and referrals for treatment in a child-friendly setting. Thus
with the full support of the Board of Supervisors, the Children's
Assessment Center was opened on January 24th 1994. The Center
opened in a suite of offices temporarily donated by Loma Linda
University Medical Center. The number of Children receiving
services increased steadily over the first few years of operation.
As the benefit of these services to sexually abused children
were realized it became apparent that the same services would
also be beneficial to victims of physical abuse as well as sexual
abuse and the Center began to see physically abused children
in 1998. It also became apparent that a larger more permanent
facility was needed for the Assessment Center and Children's
Fund entered into a new partnership with the County to make
that facility a reality. Children's Fund began a capitol campaign
to raise the funding for the purchase and remodeling of the
new facility. The program relocated to its new facility on Oct.
1st 1999.
Types of Services
Services at the Center include forensic interviews by DCS workers
who have received specialized training in child forensic interviewing.
Evidentiary medical exams are performed by Physicians who are
Forensic Pediatric Specialists. Written reports are provided
regarding the out comes of the interview and medical appointment.
Crisis intervention and referrals for counseling are provided
to family members by a Victim Witness Advocate from the District
Attorneys office assigned at the Center.
Clients
Child victims of alleged abuse ages 0-18 are referred to the
Assessment Center for services from either a law enforcement
agency, Family Law Court or the Department of Children's Services.
Parents receive crisis intervention services as well as referral
services.
Currently between 80-100 children are being seen monthly. Since
opening in 1994 over 8000 children have received services at
the Assessment Center.
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Last Updated May 16, 2008 |
