Victim Advocacy
At Heartford House Child Advocacy Center, we want to go above and beyond for the children and families that we serve. We recognize that the situations our families face are difficult, so our advocates provide a safe space for non-offending caregivers to discuss their needs during the child’s forensic interview. This time can be spent discussing
- What happens during your child’s Forensic Interview
- Behaviors to expect after a child experiences abuse
- Who is watching your child’s interview and why
- What happens once an interview has been conducted
- Your Indiana Victims Rights and how to apply for benefits and compensation when eligible
- And answer any other questions that you might have
Mental Health Options
Heartford House provides children with the opportunity to share their story in a comfortable environment, but our interviewers are not trained mental health professionals. Oftentimes a forensic interview is the first step to healing, and although we aren’t trained mental health professionals, we understand the importance of a child healing from their trauma and experiences. Heartford House is proud to assist families in finding mental health services within their community.
Heartford House, along with Valley Oaks Health, works to provide all families that we see with access to mental health services. If you’re interested in becoming a client of Valley Oaks Health or have questions, please contact your advocate or call the office at 765-420-9764.
Heartford House provides children with the opportunity to share their story in a comfortable environment, but our interviewers are not trained mental health professionals. Oftentimes a forensic interview is the first step to healing, and although we aren’t trained mental health professionals, we understand the importance of a child healing from their trauma and experiences. Heartford House is proud to assist families in finding mental health services within their community.
Heartford House, along with Valley Oaks Health, works to provide all families that we see with access to mental health services. If you’re interested in becoming a client of Valley Oaks Health or have questions, please contact your advocate or call the office at 765-420-9764.
Benefits of Therapy for you and your child:
- Develop and identify healthy coping skills.
- Address past and current trauma.
- Improve self confidence and overcome low self-esteem and anxiety.
- Connect with your emotions and understand the reason behind them.
- Recognize and handle any mental health issues experienced, such as depression, anxiety, etc.
- Work towards rebuilding or building trust with others.
What Caregivers Should Know About a Medical Exam
If you would like to learn more or have questions please contact your advocate or call the office at 765-420-9764. You can also navigate this link below to learn more! https://www.nrcac.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/The-Medical-Exam-in-Child-Sexual-Abuse-Cases-Jan-2023.pdf
- The Multi- Disciplinary Team that is working with you (DCS, LE, PRO.) might decide that your child could benefit from a SANE exam. Heartford House believes that any child who has experienced abuse, sexual or physical, should be seen by a medical professional. Though medical exams can be used for the collection of forensic evidence, most often times medical exams are used to~
- Ensure the health and well-being of the child
- Reassure the child that everything is ok with their body
- Diagnose and treat medical conditions that may be related to the abuse they experienced
- Document any possible physical and forensic findings
- Allow the child the opportunity to share more (if comfortable) about their experience
If you would like to learn more or have questions please contact your advocate or call the office at 765-420-9764. You can also navigate this link below to learn more! https://www.nrcac.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/The-Medical-Exam-in-Child-Sexual-Abuse-Cases-Jan-2023.pdf
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I speak to a Victim Advocate even if my child never comes for a forensic interview?
Can I speak to a Victim Advocate even if my child never comes for a forensic interview?
- Yes, everyone is welcome to call our office (765-420-9764) and speak with an advocate. Some advocacy services are limited to children that are forensically interviewed at Heartford House. Our advocates are always available to answer questions and point you in the right direction to help.
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