Serving Children & Families
Effected by Abuse
CJAC's mission is to serve children and families affected by child abuse and to provide a collaborative and compassionate community response.
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ogether, we can help children and families affected by abuse find safety, healing, and support through a coordinated community response.
A Safe, Child-Friendly Setting
Forensic interviews are conducted in a calm, welcoming environment designed specifically for children. The goal is to help the child feel safe, supported, and comfortable while reducing fear, confusion, or additional trauma.
Trauma-Informed Interviewing
CJAC uses a trauma-informed approach that recognizes how abuse can affect a child’s memory, emotions, and ability to communicate. Interviewers are specially trained to speak with children in a developmentally appropriate, respectful, and non-leading way.
A Neutral Fact-Finding Process
The purpose of a forensic interview is to gather accurate information from the child in a neutral and legally sound manner. The interviewer does not pressure the child or suggest answers. Instead, the child is given space to share what happened in their own words.
Reducing Repeated Interviews
One of the most important goals of the forensic interview process is to reduce how many times a child has to tell their story. By conducting one coordinated interview, CJAC helps minimize system-induced trauma while still supporting the needs of law enforcement, child protection, prosecutors, and the court process.
Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration
CJAC brings together professionals from law enforcement, child protective services, prosecution, medical care, mental health, and victim advocacy. This team works together to review information, coordinate next steps, and ensure the child and family receive a compassionate, unified response.
Support Beyond the Interview
The interview is only one part of the process. CJAC also provides victim advocacy for children and non-offending caregivers, helping families understand what comes next, connect with counseling and medical services, access practical resources, and begin the path toward healing.
CJAC'S MISSION
If you think your child has been abused you may be confused about what to do next. You may have been instructed by law enforcement, Child Protective Services, or other trained professionals not to discuss the abuse with your child.
How a Visit Works
