What We Do

Forensic interviews are conducted by a trained interviewer working jointly with law enforcement and child protection professionals in a child-friendly environment. A forensic interview is a single session, recorded interview designed to elicit a child’s unique information when there are concerns of possible abuse or when the child has witnessed violence against another person. The forensic interview is conducted in a supportive and non-leading manner by a professional trained in the NCAC Forensic Interview model. Interviews are remotely observed by representatives of the agencies involved in the investigation (such as law enforcement and child protective services). A copy is provided to law enforcement to help aid the courts in legal proceedings against the offender.

Medical examinations are conducted by a licensed Doctor of Medicine in our on-site medical examination room with specialized equipment that gives the physician the ability to diagnose and treat injury as well as document and collect forensic evidence of abuse whenever necessary. The medical exam will take place at the PCAC in a child friendly room. The exam will include a medical history from the caregiver as well as from the child. The child will receive a thorough head to toe exam similar to a normal check-up at a Pediatrician’s office. This exam will also include an external inspection of the genitalia and anal area to make sure they appear normal. It is highly unusual for a preadolescent child to require an internal vaginal or rectal examination. It is important to understand that the child’s medical exam is different and less invasive than an adult pelvic examination. A special instrument called a colposcope is used during the examination. A colposcope is a piece of specialized equipment that has a light attached to a pair of binoculars. This allows the nurse practitioner to see a child’s genital and anal areas more closely. The colposcope never touches the child’s body and is never felt by the child. The colposcope has a camera attached to it and photographs may be taken during the exam to provide an accurate record of what the child’s body looks like at the time of the examination.

Counseling services are offered by a professional, specializing in sexual abuse, to help children recover from the trauma of abuse.

We provide a victim advocate to offer support, guidance and advocacy to child victims and their non-offending caregivers in the form of court advocacy/preparation, case management, connecting families to resources, and many other advocacy services. A family advocate will follow up three times after their visit. The purpose of this follow up is to check on the welfare of the child and care-givers. Depending on the progress and situation, additional resources can be given.

We provide training and workshops for communities, professionals, and other groups to increase awareness of the prevalence of sexual abuse as well as indicators, treatment options, and legal proceedings.