Text Box: The 5 Disciplines Involved    There are five disciplines involved with the process.  These are as followed: · Child Protective Services · Medical Health · Mental Health · Prosecuting Attorney               -Victims Advocacy · Law Enforcement      These disciplines will be allowed to watch the interview downstairs.  If needed the videos of the interview will be given to these disciplines so that the child will not have to repeat the interview process.     A forensic nurse will normally not need the video, but  they will be able to conduct a medical exam if needed.       The Prosecuting Attorney will have a copy of the video to use as evidence in court so that the child hopefully will not have to testify.

Text Box: Process    As you enter into Safe Haven,  you will meet a Safe Haven representative, an interviewer, and  other team members.  A team member will stay with you throughout the entire process.  The child will go into an interview room with a friendly atmosphere while the guardian waits in the comfortable living room. This interview should be the only interview the child will have to go through, and it normally takes between 15 to 60 minutes.

Text Box: History    Before 1985, an abused child would have to go through many different interviews, which cause a child more emotional distress.  Then in 1985 Congressman Robert E. Cramer (AL) organized the first child advocacy center in Huntsville, Alabama.  The child advocacy was started in order to have a place that focuses on a child in time of crisis.

Text Box: Welcome to Safe Haven    We understand that you are not in an ideal situation, but our goal is to make this process as  stress-free as possible, without missing important details    We will try to be as helpful as we  can to your child as well as yourself.  If there is anything you need or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

Text Box: Before the interviewer enters the room,  he/she is handed questions that are needed by members of the legal process.  These members can watch the interview downstairs via the direct feed from the interview room.  The interview is also recorded both audibly and visually.  These tapes are distributed to those who need the interview (i.e. Law Enforcement, Attorneys, and Social workers).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

             Back/ Home