Someone is listening at A Child’s Place
Courtesy of A Child's Place
When a child is the victim of abuse or neglect, what would be a complicated situation for an adult is even more so for a minor.
That’s where A Child’s Place comes in.
A Child’s Place was established in 1999 to coordinate services. They work with a team of law enforcement, forensic interview staff, counselors, medical staff, victim advocates and more.
They operate in multiple counties including Washington, Fayette and most recently, Greene.
It’s a whirlwind in the days following a child witnessing violence or experiencing trauma, and according to Executive Director Mary Carrasco, it’s important to conduct interviews at the child’s level of understanding, full of integrity and limiting the number of times a child has to tell their story.
“We have specially trained forensic interviewers who prevent the child from doing multiple interviews. The more they tell the story, it can often lead to changing details or something being misinterpreted,” said Carrasco.
The interview is recorded and those involved in the multidisciplinary team can observe through a one-way mirror.
“Our goal is to do one interview, and if they are very young, they often don’t have to testify. The recorded interview will suffice because for example, an 11-year-old who has been abused won’t testify until the case goes to trial. Now, this is a 13- or 14-year-old before them and the jury can’t see the true picture anyway,” Carrasco said.
For Carrasco, her heart lies in preventing abuse and neglect in the lives of children.
Outside of the immediate need of advocating for youth after a potential crime has occurred, A Child’s Place works to prevent crime in the first place.
They offer parenting education, Triple P, teaching parents how to solve family issues and needs.
“The program teaches parents how to engage in a successful way. We also work with parents who will be released from jail or prison,” Carrasco said. “These children have not necessarily been abused but we’re connecting and staying connected.”
Parents can receive free support in person or virtually with the goal of raising happier children.
When we understand child development, know how to set rules and routines, and obtain behavioral management skills, it makes for a confident and successful family unit.
“They are doing their best but they don’t know how,” Carrasco said. “I spoke to a woman who had her first child at the age of 15. She knew what she wanted to do but didn’t know how to get there, and that’s why we’re here.”
The nonprofit is always in need of funding but there are some special ways the community can give back as well.
They need supplies for the backpacks sent home with each child going into foster care.
“When they come in, they often have nothing. They’ve been yanked out of their homes. We have backpacks that we fill with initial supplies,” Carrasco said. “Another thing people really enjoy is donating new stuffed animals and quilts. As a community, we like to feel like we’re comforting the child during a rough time in their lives.”
For more information, visit https://www.achildsplacepa.org/.