Forensic Interviews
The Voices Carry Child Advocacy Center conducts forensic interviews for children when there are allegations of maltreatment or who have possibly witnessed or been a victim of a crime. The “forensic interview” is a child friendly, non-leading, developmentally appropriate way to gather information from children and teenagers, in a warm and welcoming environment. The forensic interview assists the Department of Human Services and Law Enforcement agencies in their investigations, while keeping the best interest of the child at the forefront. The forensic interviewers are highly trained professionals with advanced understanding of child development, memory, suggestibility, linguistics and trauma.
Family Advocacy Services
The Family Advocacy Program provides services to non-offending caregivers of children interviewed at Voices Carry. A Family Advocate will meet with the non-offending caregiver while their child is being interviewed.
Services provided by the Family Support Advocate include the following:
- A supportive, welcoming and child-friendly environment.
- Emotional support.
- Crisis intervention.
- Referrals for counseling or any other services needed (i.e. domestic violence shelters, parenting classes, restraining orders, housing, etc.).
- Information about victim rights and compensation.
- Information about the child protection and criminal justice systems.
- Education about age-appropriate sexual behavior.
- Follow-up support and help as needed.
For additional information and questions regarding family advocacy services, please contact our office at 970-407-9739
Medical Room
Voices Carry also provides a private medical for children and teens, as well and adults with cognitive disabilities, who are suspected victims of abuse and other crimes. The on-site facility will ensure that clients receive medical services in a child-friendly setting, streamline referrals, and ease transportation barriers. The renovated stone cottage will also improve access to Voices Carry’s services for kids and families with physical disabilities by serving as an accessible dual-purpose facility with a forensic interview space.
The medical room was only possible because of many generous businesses and donors. We are particularly fortunate for the vision and expertise of pediatrician Dr. Deb Crawford, who continues to support us by offering medical exams for the children we serve.
We recommend that all children who may have been abused receive a medical examination by a pediatric child abuse specialist in a child-friendly environment. If your child visits Voices Carry for a forensic interview, he or she may be referred for a medical exam.
