Intervention Services
Family Services
Research demonstrates that caregiver support is essential to reducing trauma and improving outcomes for children and family members.
We provide family services to children and families in crisis to help navigate the multiple systems involved in The Child Advocacy Center of Greater Rochester's response.
Research demonstrates that caregiver support is essential to reducing trauma and improving outcomes for children and family members.
We provide Family Services to children and families in crisis to help navigate the multiple systems involved in The Child Advocacy Center of Greater Rochester's response.
Family Services
Intervention Services
Community Closet
The Community Closet provides items such as clothing, food, and housewares for the families we serve. The closet may be accessed by any member of our team, allowing them to provide items of critical need to children and their families.
We know that holidays can be especially difficult when receiving services at our center. Each year during the holidays, our team nominates children and their families to receive extra support – including food boxes and gifts.
Wish List
Our Wish List includes necessities for children in critical need. Help us support children while they receive services at our center.
If you have any questions, please contact volunteer@cacgroc.org
.png)
Advocacy Services
Many members of the multidisciplinary team (MDT) may advocate for children and families within their discipline systems or agencies. However, Family Advocates have a distinct and central role, providing services to ensure a consistent and coordinated network of support for each child and family.
.png)
.png)
What can you expect in our waiting room?
Comfort items like blankets and stuffed animals
Snacks and drinks
Client Relations
Our Client Relations Representatives staff the front desk, which serves as a vital link between our center and the families we support. Client Relations provides a welcoming atmosphere for all individuals contacting or entering our center.
While at the CACGROC, our waiting room is a safe space. Our staff and volunteers provide comfort and care for children and their caregivers during their time at the center. The environment in the waiting room was created intentionally to provide comfort and safety.
Family Advocacy Services
Hover to see more information
Victim Compensation
The NYS Office of Victim Services provides compensation for certain expenses related to a crime to eligible clients. Family Advocates provide eligible families with assistance submitting victim compensation claim applications through the NYS Office of Victim Services.
For more information, please visit the NYS Office of Victim Services or speak with your Family Advocate.
Things to know about Family Advocates:
Services are provided to children and caregivers.
Advocates are the one consistent person throughout the life of a case.
Advocates remain available to clients all the way through trial and beyond.
“No person in the United States shall, based on sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”
Title IX
9 things to know about Title IX:
Title IX is a civil right that prohibits sex discrimination in education.
Title IX applies to all students, regardless of gender identity.
Schools may not retaliate against someone filing a complaint and must keep complaints safe from other retaliatory harassment.
Schools should ensure that no student has to share campus spaces with their abuser.
Schools must be proactive in ensuring that their campus is free from sex discrimination.
Schools must have a procedure for handling complaints of sexual harassment and violence.
Schools cannot discourage a student from continuing their education.
All schools receiving federal funding, including public K-12 schools and a majority of colleges, are subject to Title IX.
Schools can issue no-contact directives to prevent alleged perpetrators from approaching or interacting with a student.
“No person in the United States shall, based on sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”
If you feel you’ve been the victim of sexual or gender discrimination, harassment, or violence at school or in an educational setting, you’re entitled to make a complaint under Title IX.
Family Advocates are available to assist you in potential Title IX violations, as well as be present throughout the Title IX process with a school.
Your Team
Child abuse concerns, allegations and reports are handled by our Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) of professionals. Each case is different, and therefore requires a unique combination of team members.
Not all disciplines of the MDT are involved in every case. Members of your unique team will meet throughout the case to coordinate the best response and support services for
your family.
.png)
Medical Provider
The pediatric medical provider has special training and expertise in evaluating children and adolescents who have experienced abuse. The exam allows the medical provider to be sure the child’s body is healthy. Medical evaluations are provided by REACH, a program of Golisano Children’s Hospital located at The Child Advocacy Center of Greater Rochester.
CPS Caseworker
Some cases involve Child Protective Services (CPS). CPS Caseworkers conduct interviews with all adults and children listed on a case, and develop a plan to keep children safe. Caseworkers will work very closely with Law Enforcement and the Family Advocate during this process.
Forensic Interviewer
Your child will be interviewed by a professional employed by Child Protective Services, law enforcement or our center. These professionals are trained to speak with children in a very specific, objective, non-leading way to gather accurate information that is developmentally appropriate and child-friendly.
Law Enforcement
Most cases involve law enforcement/police. Law enforcement agencies in Monroe and surrounding counties have investigators and officers who work with our agency. They may interview children, non-offending caregivers, suspects and other witnesses. Interviews of alleged offenders and suspects are not conducted at the agency.
Assistant District Attorney
An Assistant District Attorney (ADA) works closely with your family and the team to decide whether criminal charges will be filed. Sometimes, the law prevents a case from moving forward in court even if the family and team believe that it should. Your Family Advocate will be with you throughout this process. *Please note, not all cases will include an Assistant District Attorney.
Team Member Roles:
Taking Care of You
While taking care of your child during an extremely difficult time, it is also important to take care of yourself. You are not alone, and we can provide you with helpful resources. Contact your Family Advocate for assistance.
.png)
Denial
Caregivers often experience denial because it is overwhelming to accept that abuse happened. Since children are often abused by someone they know and trust, it is often hard to believe the abuser could commit such an act.
Anger
Anger is a protective emotion. You may feel angry at yourself for somehow not being able to stop the abuse or protect the child. You may even feel angry with your child for not telling you sooner. You may also feel anger towards the process your child now has to go through.
Helplessness
You may not know what to expect during the investigation, or what your child needs next. You may feel things are out of your control. You might be afraid your child may be taken away from you. Team members will be able to address these concerns now and in the future.
Guilt + Self-Blame
You may not know what to expect during the investigation, or what your child needs next. You may feel things are out of your control. You might be afraid your child may be taken away from you. Team members will be able to address these concerns now and in the future.
Hurt + Betrayal
It is normal to feel hurt by the loss of your child’s innocence. You may have also lost a spouse, friend, or relative if they were the perpetrator.
Remember to be honest about your feelings. Talk with a therapist or close friends or family. A child is burdened with more trauma if they fear you, think you are angry at them, or worse—think that you don’t love them anymore.
Loss of Privacy
You may be concerned that everyone will hear about what happened to your child. Child abuse investigations are performed confidentially. Court records that are public protect the name of the child and other identifying information. Information is only shared among team members.
Confusion
You may wonder why your child didn’t tell you, or tell you sooner. It is common for children not to tell their caregivers about the abuse. Your child may be embarrassed or feel responsible for the abuse. Reassure your child they are not in any trouble, they were brave for telling someone, and they did the right thing by telling.
Fear of Violence
You may fear that the offender will try to harm you, your child, or your family again. If you have concerns, please talk to the police or the Family Advocate. They can help take steps to protect you and your child.
Sexual Inadequacy
If your spouse or partner is the perpetrator, you may feel they turned their attention to the child because of an inadequate sexual relationship. Research is clear that sexual relations with an adult partner do not affect a person’s likelihood to abuse children.
9 Common Reactions
You may feel one or more of these common emotions while navigating the process to support your child:
.jpg)
Supporting Your Child
Children who have been abused may feel many different emotions. The most important things your child needs from you are love, support, safety, consistency, and to know you believe them and will always protect them.
There are many reasons why children may choose not to disclose abuse, or why they may not tell someone right away. Some children do not understand that the abuse is wrong. They may think that all children are treated the same way and have been made promises or felt threatened. In cases of sexual abuse, a child may have been told that sexual behavior is normal. Remember, very few children have been found to exaggerate or create stories of abuse.
Let your child know it is ok to cry or be mad. Make sure your child understands what happened is not their fault. Sometimes, children are not mad at the offender and will continue to love them or want to protect them. Children sometimes ask why they cannot see the offender again. Listen and be supportive, but do not pressure your child to talk about things or to feel a certain way.
Some ways you can help your child:
Keep your child away from the alleged offender. This is to protect you and your child.
Return to a normal routine as soon as possible.
Find help for yourself; you do not have to do it all on your own. We are here to help you.
See that your child receives therapy or counseling as soon as possible.
Be careful not to question your child about the abuse. If your child wants to talk about it, listen supportively, but do not ask questions.
Love, support, and protect your child no matter what. If the alleged offender is a significant person to you, it can be very difficult to balance your feelings for this person with the need to protect your child. Remember, your child relies on you to make decisions that will keep them safe.
Teach your child rules about personal safety. We have resources available to caregivers
.png)
Some things you can say to your child:
I am upset, but not with you.
I am sad, and sometimes I might cry. I am not mad at or upset with you.
I believe you.
I will do everything I can to keep you safe.
It is not your fault.
I am glad that I know about what happened to you.
Title IX
9 things to know about Title IX:
Title IX is a civil right that prohibits sex discrimination in education.
Title X applies to all students, regardless of gender identity.
Schools may not retaliate against someone filing a complaint and must keep complaints safe from other retaliatory harassment.
Schools should ensure that no student has to share campus spaces with their abuser.
Schools must be proactive in ensuring that their campus is free from sex discrimination.
Schools must have a procedure for handling complaints of sexual harassment and violence.
Schools cannot discourage a student from continuing their education.
All schools receiving federal funding, including public K-12 schools and a majority of colleges, are subject to Title IX.
Schools can issue no-contact directives to prevent alleged perpetrators from approaching or interacting with a student.
Children who have been abused may feel many different emotions. The most important things your child needs from you are love, support, safety, consistency and to know you believe them and will always protect them.
There are many reasons why children may choose not to disclose abuse, or why they may not tell someone right away. Some children do not understand that the abuse is wrong. They may think that all children are treated the same way and have been made promises or felt threatened. In cases of sexual abuse, a child may have been told that sexual behavior is normal. Remember, very few children have been found to exaggerate or create stories of abuse.
Let your child know it is ok to cry or be mad. Make sure your child understands what happened is not their fault. Sometimes, children are not mad at the offender and will continue to love them or want to protect them. Children sometimes ask why they cannot see the offender again. Listen and be supportive, but do not pressure your child to talk about things or to feel a
certain way.
Supporting Your Child
