Services Provided

Forensic Interviews:
A videotaped interview provided at the request of Law Enforcement and/or DFCS in DeKalb and Fulton Counties when there has been a disclosure of sexual abuse, or reason to believe the child has been sexually abused based upon behaviors or medical evidence. This interview is conducted in a child-friendly environment by either the investigating detective or a Georgia Center for Children clinician with specialized interview training.

Forensic Evaluations:
An extended evaluation, generally four to eight sessions, provided at the request of Law Enforcement and/or DFCS in DeKalb and Fulton Counties. These evaluations are conducted if a child does not make a disclosure, but there are continued strong suspicions of sexual abuse based upon sexualized behaviors or medical evidence.

Therapy:
After a child has disclosed an incident of sexual abuse and the forensic investigation is complete, the child may receive therapy services from a trained, licensed therapist. The Georgia Center for Children also offers group therapy for child victims of sexual abuse and Caregiver Support Group to their non-offending caregivers, to help the family through the healing process.

Therapy services are available to children who were abused in or who reside in DeKalb or Fulton County, and for whom healing around issues related to sexual abuse is the primary concern.

Family Advocacy Services:

Advocacy and support services are provided to the non-offending caregiver and child. Services include an assessment of needs, information and referral, information regarding the rights of a crime victim, client education regarding investigation, prosecution and treatment and general follow-up supportive services to assist the family through the recovery process.
The Family Advocate program at the Georgia Center for Children is designed to support non-offending caregivers so they can, in turn, support the child. The purpose of the program is to support the non-offending caregiver through a time of crisis, assist in preserving the integrity of the family unit, provide education about child abuse/neglect and help the family understand the child protective systems.
The program helps to empower the non-offending caregiver by helping to identify possible resources to address critical issues of housing, transportation, education and financial assistance. The Family Advocate strengthens the family by working with the non-offending caregiver to broader connections that foster positive growth.

Multidisciplinary Team Case Reviews:
Clinical staff members regularly participate in case reviews and consultation with community multidisciplinary team members to ensure that the case is expedited in a sensitive, timely manner with the child’s best interest at the forefront of decision-making.

Presentations and Trainings:
The staff of the Georgia Center for Children is available to provide trainings and informative presentations to our community partners that address all of the issues involved in the sexual abuse of children.

All Center services are provided at no cost to children and families.