OUR SERVICES
Advocacy
The services of a victim advocate are essential in achieving the overall goals of reduction in trauma and secondary victimization for children.
Advocacy services consist of:
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Welcoming and orienting the child and family to Grandma's House.
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Providing crisis intervention during the initial visit.
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Enhancing the cooperation of the family in the court process.
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Accompanying the child and non-offending parent to court.
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Facilitating linkages with other types of concrete services, i.e., housing, food, job services, clothing.
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Medical Exams
Specialized medical evaluations and sexual assault exams are made available to all children who are victims of suspected abuse, particularly sexual abuse. A certified SANE, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, specifically trained in child sexual assault exams, performs exams. Her work is peer reviewed by Arkansas Children’s House in Little Rock.
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Forensic Interviews
Grandma's House has trained forensic interviewers who perform a DVD recorded interview per request by law enforcement. We also offer our interview room to law officers who have been trained in forensic interviewing.
A coordinated approach:
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Reduces the number of interviews of the child.
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Facilitates the efficient gathering and sharing of all information critical to the case.
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Broadens the knowledge base by including the information from several agencies. Improves communication among agencies.
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Creates less stress for the child.
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Encourages openness and trust.
Therapy
Grandma's House provides a free, comprehensive treatment program for the child victims using Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
The goals of treatment for the child are as follows:
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Reduces the emotional impact of the disclosure.
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Develops a new definition of self, beyond that of a victim.
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Engages in joint sessions that help the child and caregiver talk about the trauma.
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Teaches and practices safety skills.
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Promotes healing and establishes hope for the future.