Who We Are
We are a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation designed to help victims of abuse. This is done through the coordinated efforts of agencies charged with the responsibility to investigate, treat, and prosecute child abuse cases. We serve victims of child sexual sexual abuse, physical abuse, medical child abuse, severe neglect,exposure to domestic violence, trafficking, drug endangerment, and child witnesses.
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Child-Focused Services
The CAC provides a child-friendly setting where a skilled team of professionals come together to investigate serious child abuse allegations.
Forensic Interview
A forensic interview of a child is a developmentally-sensitive and legally sound method of gathering factual information regarding allegations of abuse and/or exposure to violence. The interview is conducted by a trained, neutral professional utilizing research and practice informed techniques as part of a larger investigative process.
Family Advocacy Services
We recognize that times like these can be difficult not only for the victim, but the whole family. For these times, we provide a Family Advocate for each and every family that comes to our center. Family Advocates provide services and resources to families for any needs that develop as a result of a child suffering from abuse. They also provide support in a case management style and maintain bonds with clients and their families throughout the duration of their time at our center as well as all the way through the court process.
Therapy
We also provide on-site and on-campus counseling for our clients and their families within the home. Our therapists utilize Trauma Focused - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. TF-CBT is a conjoint child and parent psychotherapy approach for children and adolescents who are experiencing significant emotional and behavioral difficulties related to traumatic life events. Children and parents learn new skills to help process thoughts and feelings related to traumatic life events; manage and resolve distressing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related traumatic life events; and enhance safety, growth, parenting skills, and family communication.Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral therapy is the most well-supported and effective treatment for children who have been abused and traumatized.
Medical Services
The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner is trained to conduct medical evaluations in a child sensitive manner that minimizes discomfort to the child.
Multidisciplinary Team Case Review and Coordination
At the Rusk-Panola Children’s Advocacy Center, we take pride in our Multidisciplinary team. Our team works to provide a child friendly setting where we are dedicated to work collaboratively in the intervention, investigation, prosecution and treatment options of child abuse cases. Here our trained professionals work closely with Law Enforcement, Child Protection Services, and medical professionals to lessen the trauma and prevent re-victimization.