New Regional Child Advocacy Center Hopes To Lessen Trauma

Debbie Blank
CNHI News Service

October 08, 2009 12:40 pm

— Many children who are abused or neglected end up with miserable lives.
They are 59 percent more likely to be arrested as a juvenile, 28 percent more likely to be arrested as an adult and 30 percent more likely to commit violent crime. Nearly two-thirds of people in treatment for drug abuse reported being abused as a child, according to the 2007 Wang and Holton Economic Impact Study.
Indiana’s first regional Children’s Advocacy Center, which opened in Dillsboro Sept. 14, may not only lessen the trauma youth face after those incidents, but also lead to a better conviction rate of perpetrators.
The center, which serves Decatur, Dearborn, Jefferson, Ohio, Ripley and Switzerland counties, is housed in the former Kim Schmaltz law office. The single-story brick building with a full unfinished basement contains a reception room, bathroom, playroom, director Sarah Brichto’s office, forensic interviewer Stephanie Black’s office, an interview room and observation room.
Brichto explained, “The reasoning behind the center is that even though there is child abuse in every county, there aren't enough cases in any one county to be able to support an independent CAC, so by pooling resources all the counties can receive these services in a central location. This is part of the governor’s plan that is becoming a national aim.”
Three services are offered: interviews of children up to 18 who can communicate verbally and developmentally handicapped adults; medical exam referrals for cases of physical and sexual abuse; and mental health counseling referrals for the child victims and non-offending family members.
Board President Ric Hertel, Ripley County prosecutor, said, “This type of center is needed in southeastern Indiana because it is readily apparent that we have a problem.”
He called the number of 2008 abuse and neglect reports taken in each county “staggering”: Decatur, 660; Dearborn, 890; Jefferson, 795; Ohio, 113; Ripley, 549; and Switzerland, 277.
“In just two weeks since its opening, 15 children have already been interviewed. The bad news is the frequency in which it is already being used. It will only grow as word travels among those entities in all of the counties. It is unfortunate that this type of facility is needed, but that's the harsh reality.”
The Region 15 CAC brochure notes, “Cases involving child abuse are often the most difficult to hear, try and prove. They pit a child against an adult, usually someone the child knows and often a family member. It is extremely difficult to prove these cases which are most often in the absence of physical evidence and without eyewitness testimony. Errors in these cases can either leave a child unprotected and vulnerable to further abuse or subject innocent caregivers to criminal prosecution or loss of parental rights.”
How has the project been funded? A $426,793 grant from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs to purchase and remodel the building was awarded Sept. 4. It was matched by $102,334 in local money, including $50,000 from the Decatur County Council. Brichto added, “We are contracted with the (county) Departments of Child Services to provide interviews for a set rate, which ought to pay a large part of ongoing operations. We will have to raise funds annually and, of course, need donations.” There are benefits to a regional site. Hertel emphasized, “The child should only be interviewed one time. Multiple interviews are difficult for the child and unnecessary. The interview is ideally done in a non-threatening environment and by a trained forensic interviewer. The days of a young child being interviewed in the back seat of a police car or the stationhouse are hopefully over.”
Black uses the Finding Words technique. She observed, “If I can use the education and training I have to ease the experience of a child who is going through an investigative process, that is a large part of how I define success and what makes me feel good about my job.”
The president pointed out, “Inappropriate questions or techniques can lead to confusion, future objections by defense attorneys and an inability to prosecute.” As Black interviews a victim, “a prosecutor, police officer and Department of Child Service employee will be in the observation room, watching the interview in real time. That group of individuals may have additional questions for the child. That is easily accomplished as the forensic interviewer wears an earpiece and can hear the questions from the group in the other room without interrupting the continuity of the interview.”
It is more cost effective as well. Studies show that child abuse cases handled in CACs are 36 percent less expensive. In 2008, Indiana centers saved the state about $8.5 million by using this approach. The director likes to look at the big picture. “Cases handled by CACs tend to have better outcomes for the children involved – more pleas (so less trials) and longer sentences for perpetrators, and faster follow-up for the children (such as counseling). So long term, this service should encourage more disclosure of abuse, more perpetrators sentenced and ultimately the cycle of abuse should stop – or at least slow down.”
Interns in law, criminal justice, social work or related fields are needed. Volunteers to assist with spring and fall deep cleaning and landscaping also are sought. Info: Sarah Brichto, sbrichto@aol.com or 812-432-9150.
Donated items: Playroom and waiting area children’s books and board games; toys, such as Legos, dollhouse, trucks, play kitchen, dolls; kid-size furniture and storage units; teen and adult magazines; medical exam room equipment, such as a video colposcope; three 42-inch TVs to watch live or prerecorded interviews; high-volume printer/copier; fireproof filing cabinets; folding or stackable chairs and tables; desks, chairs and bookcases; office supplies; white copy paper and envelopes; recording DVDs; easel paper/flip charts and markers for interviews; cleaning supplies; paint for murals and donor recognition tree; backpacks with supplies for school-aged children going into foster care; kids’ scarves, gloves and hats; riding lawn mower; car for travel to counties.
Monetary contributions: Tax-deductible checks made payable to Region 15 Children's Advocacy Center, Inc. may be mailed to 12211 Rullman Drive, Dillsboro, IN 47018. Dollars will be used for operational expenses and security and portable recording systems.

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