|
|
Child & Family Interviews
To prevent trauma to the child caused by multiple contacts with different professionals, The Bridge has created neutral-based facilities for the interviews of and services for abused children. The Bridge provides well-trained professionals who specialize in taking testimony of children using non-suggestive techniques. Having knowledgeable, neutral interviewers speaking with the children helps to provide a more accurate, consistent account of the abuse from the child victim. Interviews are kept to a minimum by video taping the child's testimony. Various agencies involved in the case can review the tape as needed without requiring the child to re-tell the story. These videotaped interviews result in a more fair and accurate gathering of case information and have also helped to establish a trusting relationship between the child and the adult advocate. The Bridge provides services to more than 900 children each year. Multi-Disciplinary Case Review Teams
The teams consist of representatives from law enforcement,
medical professionals, children’s protective services, prosecution
and others. During investigative and intervention processes, while
maintaining their own roles, these child advocates are able to
receive input from other professionals before making decisions
regarding a case. As a result, more offenders are held accountable
because of these coordinated procedures. These meetings also ensure
that the best interests of each child are comprehensively cared for. Community Education
The Bridge is able to provide education to the community through the following programs: "Child Abuse: What is it and What Can I Do About It", and "Truth, Lies & Sex Offenders." These programs are offered to parents, teachers, daycare staff & parents, community groups, churches and high school students. They can be offered at The Bridge or at the requesting agency and are available to organizations in the top 26 counties of the Panhandle. THERE IS NO CHARGE FOR THESE PROGRAMS. "Child Abuse: What Is It and What Can I Do About It" addresses the following topics:
These topics are addressed in a comprehensive, interactive manner through activities and group participation. Emphasis is placed on reporting any suspicions of child abuse, as well as prevention strategies for parents. "Truth, Lies & Sex Offenders" is a newly developed program. Through the use of videotaped interviews with sex offenders and facilitated discussion, "Truth, Lies & Sex Offenders" will provide the audience with education on the techniques that sex offenders use to deceive parents, children and the public at large. This program will also address statistics and prevention strategies. Another goal identified by The Bridge is providing training for the professionals in our community. Through grants from Children's Advocacy Centers of Texas, National Network of Children's Advocacy Center, Victims of Crime Act, and the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services, The Bridge is able to provide training to keep professionals up to date with the ever-changing trends in the area of investigation, prosecution and forensic interviewing of children in child abuse cases. Sexual Assault Exams
The Bridge is able to coordinate
the sexual assault exam process by contacting the professionals
involved and providing exam rooms and equipment for the Sexual
Assault Nurse Examiner Team at Northwest Texas Healthcare System to
conduct exams for child victims. This lessens the trauma for the
child and family by eliminating a visit to the emergency room and
providing a child friendly atmosphere.
Counseling
Counseling is often delayed to child victims and their families because of the financial burden it places on the family. Through a grant from the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), The Bridge provides referrals and funding for counseling to children and families, who have received services and need assistance. A referral is made at the time services are received, and the family is able to immediately access counseling which is crucial to the healing process. |
