Children's Fund Assessment Center
Prior to the opening of the Children's Assessment Center, abused children referred to Child Protective Services, often had to endure a number of interviews performed by the multiple agencies involved in the investigation of the case. Often victimized children suffered unnecessary trauma in this process.
In an effort to minimize that trauma, a task force was established by the Children's Network Policy Council in 1992 to explore the possibility of creating a quality comprehensive program to provide forensic interviews and evidentiary medical exams in one child friendly location for sexually abused children in San Bernardino County. The task force consisted of representatives from Child Protective Services, County Medical Center, Public Health, Behavioral Health, the District Attorney's office, Sheriff's Office, Juvenile Court, Family Law Court, County Counsel, Children's Network, Children's Fund and Loma Linda University Medical Center.
Subsequently, partnership between the County of San Bernardino and Loma Linda University Children's Hospital was formed to develop a one-stop Center where victims of child sexual abuse could receive forensic interviews and evidentiary medical exams and referrals for treatment in a child-friendly setting. Thus with the full support of the Board of Supervisors, the Children's Assessment Center was opened on January 24th 1994. The Center opened in a suite of offices temporarily donated by Loma Linda University Medical Center. The number of Children receiving services increased steadily over the first few years of operation.
As the benefit of these services to sexually abused children were realized it became apparent that the same services would also be beneficial to victims of physical abuse as well as sexual abuse and the Center began to see physically abused children in 1998. It also became apparent that a larger more permanent facility was needed for the Assessment Center and Children's Fund entered into a new partnership with the County to make that facility a reality. Children's Fund began a capitol campaign to raise the funding for the purchase and remodeling of the new facility. The program relocated to its new facility on Oct. 1st 1999.
Types of Services
Services at the Center include forensic interviews by DCS workers who have received specialized training in child forensic interviewing. Evidentiary medical exams are performed by Physicians who are Forensic Pediatric Specialists. Written reports are provided regarding the out comes of the interview and medical appointment. Crisis intervention and referrals for counseling are provided to family members by a Victim Witness Advocate from the District Attorneys office assigned at the Center.
Clients
Child victims of alleged abuse ages 0-18 are referred to the Assessment Center for services from either a law enforcement agency, Family Law Court or the Department of Children's Services. Parents receive crisis intervention services as well as referral services.
Currently between 80-100 children are being seen monthly. Since opening in 1994 over 8000 children have received services at the Assessment Center.
Copyright © 2010 Children’s Fund Tax ID# 33-0193286
