IT SHOULDN'T HURT TO BE A CHILD
WHO WE ARE
The Children’s Advocacy Center of Southeast Arkansas provides a child-friendly, safe and neutral location in which law enforcement and Child Protective Services investigators refer and observe forensic interviews with children who are alleged victims of child abuse and crime, and where the child and non-offending family members receive support, crisis intervention, and referrals for mental health and medical treatment.
The Children's Advocacy Center model's main objective is to reduce trauma to child victims by bringing all disciplines together and sharing information more efficiently to minimize duplication through multidisciplinary teams made up of law enforcement officers, child protective service personnel, prosecutors, advocates, mental health therapists, and medical personnel.
The multidisciplinary team meets regularly to communicate and collaborate on child maltreatment cases. Cases are reviewed beginning with the victim’s initial outcry through investigation, treatment, and prosecution. Communication within the team reduces duplicative contacts by various agencies, minimizing trauma and keeps victims from falling through the cracks.
OUR SERVICES
Child and Family Advocacy
Child and Family Advocates are trained and knowledgeable of services geared at helping children and non-offending families that have been affected by child abuse and trauma. The goals of working with children and families is to reduce trauma and secondary victimization. The Advocates provide essential support, guidance and education to children and family members, offering them resources and assistance throughout the investigation process. They ensure families understand their rights, connect them with critical services, and provide emotional support to help them navigate this challenging time.
Mental Health Services
Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is an evidence based and trauma informed mental health treatment for children experiencing significant emotional and behavioral difficulties related to their abuse and other specific experienced trauma. It is designed for children 3-17 years of age.
TF-CBT works with the child to teach them new skills to help process thoughts and feelings along with various relaxation techniques, focus to enhance safety and family communication, strengthen positive attachments with the caregiver, understand what healthy and safe relationships are, and develop a sense of hope and healing. Our therapists have been trained in this evidence-based therapy and are certified trauma therapists.
Medical Exams
A specialized medical exam is offered to any child who has allegations or concerns of abuse. The purpose of the medical evaluation is to ensure the health and safety of the child, to diagnose and address any medical conditions resulting from the abuse and to collect any evidence to assist in the investigation of child abuse cases. The medical exams are conducted in a child-friendly setting by specially trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners.
Forensic Interviews
Forensic interviewers are specially trained in the Child First Protocol. The interviews are conducted in a legally defensible, supportive and non-leading manner. The interviewers are trained in childhood development, child abuse dynamics and other pertinent issues. Interviewers gather potential evidence that is important in an investigation and possible prosecution. The Interviews are observed by representatives of the agencies involved in the investigation such as law enforcement, child protective services, and prosecutors which helps ensure the child is not further traumatized and reduces duplicative interviews.
Prevention Education Presentations
The Children's Advocacy Center of Southeast Arkansas offers an evidence based Prevention Education program and Mandated Reporter Training. Our Prevention Education program provides presentations and material on body safety, boundaries, internet safety and child abuse.
The Mandated Reporter Training is offered in compliance with the Arkansas Department of Education and it is presented to providers that work with children such as schools, child care facilities, churches, businesses and other organizations in our community. Schools, childcare workers, and after school programs can reach out to our center for prevention education presentations to better understand the signs of abuse, learn how to respond appropriately to disclosures, and gain valuable resources for protecting children in their care.
These presentations equip professionals with the knowledge and tools they need to help prevent abuse and ensure the safety and well-being of the children they serve.
ARKANSAS STATE POLICE CHILD ABUSE HOTLINE
1-844-SAVE-A-CHILD
OR
1-800-482-5964
If you suspect the life of a child is in immediate danger, please contact your local law enforcement or dial 9-1-1.
OUR STAFF
HAZEL MAXEY
Executive Director
HELEN BARAJAS
Child Advocate
CHANDRA SMITH
Sexual Assault
Nurse Examiner and Medical Director
ALEXIA HARRIS
Family Advocate
KIMBERLEY MOYÉ
Child Advocate
JOHN BEAN
Child Advocate/Prevention Educator
STACY HUBANKS
Forensic Interviewer and MDT Facilitator
KAREN APPLEGET
Mental Health Provider
KIARRA DUNN
Sexual Assault
Nurse Examiner
Meet Our Advisory Board
Learn More About Our Process from the CACSEA Staff
