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Child-friendly forensic center investigates child abuse and coordinates needed services, including:

• Advocacy: Provides initial and ongoing advocacy to families as they move through the process of a child abuse allegation; builds connections with families to better understand their circumstances and self-identified needs; helps families to interpret the information they receive, ensure their rights and their ability to make informed decisions and gain skills in advocating for themselves and their children; provides emotional support

• Forensic interviewing: Provides a neutral, information-gathering child-centered interview

• Multidisciplinary team facilitation: Includes professionals from law enforcement, social services, prosecution, public defense, medical and mental health, victim support services, the child advocacy center (forensic interviews and advocacy), Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), and cultural representatives collaborate from the initial report through lasting supportive services for the youth and families

• Medical exams: Collaborates with St. Luke's Hospital and Essentia Health to provide forensic medical evaluations in reported cases of child abuse; provides an overall assessment of a child and/or adolescent's health and safety, recommends appropriate follow-up and treatment, documents additional statements and/or physical evidence in circumstances of sexual or physical abuse, and provides reassurance to a child and/or adolescent and their caregiver about their body and health

• Mental health: Connects children and families with trauma-informed care and avoid barriers to accessing mental health services; arrangementswith the Human Development Center and Paradigm Therapy Services to providespecialized trauma-focused mental health services unique to the needs ofchildren and their non-offending caregivers

• Prevention: Provides prevention education to families ofchildren being served; outreaches to schools, families, and the community; presentations and trainings to organizations and groups across the northland

• Brings together agencies mandated to respond to child sexual abuse

• Conducts prompt, objective, and developmentally appropriate forensic interviews for cases involving child or delayed adult sexual abuse and children who witness violent crimes

• Coordinates legal, social, and therapeutic responses for child abuse victims and their families

• Offers free, voluntary support services for caregivers, children, adolescents, and vulnerable adults following a forensic interview (e.g., caregiver and family support groups)

• Provides family advocacy, including help enrolling in the Safe at Home confidential address program