Children’s Justice & Advocacy Center

by | Jan 28, 2013 | Abuse/Domestic Violence, Advocacy Groups, Child & Family, Legal Assistance

Children’s Justice & Advocacy Center – CJAC
214 North Pacific Ave.
Kelso, WA 98626
(360) 353-3993
Fax: (360) 353-3498

We believe that children have the right to be properly cared for and protected from violence, abuse and neglect.

When there is an allegation of child abuse, and an investigation is initiated, Law Enforcement or CPS can make a referral to the Children’s Justice and Advocacy Center.

CJAC goals:

  • Reduce trauma to children and families
  • Increase access to services for children and families
  • Increase reliability and integrity of investigations

Child-Focused Response

CJAC provides a safe, neutral environment to help ensure that children are not further victimized by the systems designed to protect them. They provide complete separation of victims and alleged offenders to the maximum extent possible. Their coordinated team approach in one location helps reduce the number of appointments for the family and interviews for the child.

Interviewer

A specially trained interviewer will talk with the child in a child-friendly area. Other members of the team (CPS, Prosecutor, Law Enforcements) will observe the interview. This will increase consistency & reliability throughout the investigation and testimony process.

Advocacy

  • Children’s Justice & Advocacy Center has dedicated advocates to provide support and information to children and their family after abuse has been disclosed.
  • Some examples of things that advocates can assist with are:
  • Support the family at various appointments such as court appearances, medical appointments and anything related to the child’s healing.
  • Meeting with the family and explaining the process.
  • Help coordinate appointments & assist with paperwork.
  • Individual advocacy appointments & crisis intervention.
  • Help families get connected with community resources such as therapy, housing, transportation, domestic violence intervention, child care, etc.

Disclaimer: Living Ministries is not affiliated with the organizations listed on this site. Our goal is help you find the resources you are looking for. Living Ministries does not keep track of the resource levels of the organization found in the Community Resource Database. Please be kind to the people that help you regardless of the limits of the organizations you reach with the information found on this site.