The Children’s Advocacy Center provides a child friendly house where physically and sexually abused children receive the services they need in a coordinated response. These services include:

• A qualified forensic interviewer, as part of a multidisciplinary team (SAIN) approach, conducts an interview of a child suspected of having been physically or sexually abused, thus eliminating multiple interviews and reducing the stress to the family and child. Members of the interview team include an assistant district attorney, Department of Children and Family investigative social worker, forensic child interview specialist, family service advocate, police officer and SAIN team coordinator.

Medical Intervention

• Trained medical professionals examine the child for sexual or physical abuse in a private, child friendly location.

Therapeutic Intervention

• When necessary, referrals are made for follow up treatment for the child including specialized medical and mental health services.

Victim Support

• Family advocates from the District Attorney’s Child Abuse Unit provide the child and non-offending family members information about the legal process and support and guidance through a case prosecution.

The Northwestern District Attorney’s Children’s Advocacy Center is supported by the Northwestern Children’s Advocacy Project, a non-profit organization, in collaboration with Cooley Dickinson Hospital and local business and community supporters.

For more information about the Children’s Advocacy Center contact 413-586-9225 or 413-774-3186.

Useful Links

National Children's Alliance

Massachusetts Children's Alliance