Programs :
Norfolk Advocates for Children is a collaboration of public and private agencies that provides services to children and families who have experienced physical, sexual or domestic abuse. The NAC, administered by the office of Norfolk County District Attorney William R. Keating, provides direct care to children and families using a multidisciplinary, coordinated, child friendly and culturally sensitive approach. Norfolk Advocates for Children also develops resources for the community by offering education, training, outreach, networking and advocacy in the area of child abuse prevention and intervention.
SEXUAL ABUSE INVESTIGATION NETWORK (SAIN)
The Norfolk County SAIN (Sexual Abuse Investigation Network)
Program is a coordinated effort to address the growing problems
faced by sexually abused children and the numerous agencies
called upon to respond to the needs of victimized children and
their families. SAIN is a multidisciplinary response to the
investigation of child sexual abuse and severe physical abuse.
The project coordinates county-wide, inter-agency cooperation
between all 27 police departments, the State Police, six Department of Children and Families (DCF) area offices and the District Attorney's Office (DA's Office). A multidisciplinary team is a coordinated response by the agencies that are mandated to investigate
child abuse. Part of this response is a joint interview of the child. By holding joint interviews, these teams reduce potential trauma
that may result during an investigation of the allegations. The team includes staff of the DA's Office, the DCF Investigator, and local
and/or State Police. The goal of this multidisciplinary approach is to minimize potential trauma by limiting the number of interviews
that must be conducted and to ensure that a trained and experienced investigator, sensitive to the needs of child victims, conducts
the interview.
During investigation period, joint interviews are scheduled and conducted, using a two-way mirror and listening devices. The interview will be conducted in a fashion appropriate for forensic use. Each team member gathers the information necessary to satisfy the mandate of his or her respective agencies. Through the enhanced cooperation between law enforcement and child protective services in the Norfolk District, the needs of the various disciplines will be satisfied and the child victim and his or her family's needs will be better served.
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
Mental Health referrals are provided for victims and their families; to
provide information and support to families through the investigation and assessment process; and to develop safety plans with
families. The intention is to develop links with community providers specifically in evaluation and treatment of children and families
who have experienced abuse or violence in the home.
Pediatric Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Services
Pediatric Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Services at the NAC are offered when there is a concern or report of sexual
abuse. This exam is important for several reasons: (1) to ensure the health and well being of the child; (2) to reassure the child
that everything is OK with their body; (3) to diagnose and treat medical conditions that may be related to sexual abuse, such as
a sexually transmitted disease; (4) to document any possible physical and forensic findings; and (5) to allow for collection of
evidence that may be present on the child’s body or clothing within 72 hours. This medical exam is not painful or invasive,
and the process provides an opportunity for the child and family to be linked to other important services and resources.
Currently these specialized medical examinations are provided at either Children’s Hospital Boston or the Children’s Advocacy
Center of Plymouth County in Brockton; when the NAC opens its stand-alone facility in Foxboro in 2009 these services will
be offered onsite.
TRAINING/EDUCATION
The training/education subcommittee is working on a variety of ways to provide training and outreach about the NAC. This includes the creation of a brochure, the website and other speaking engagements.