What is the Child and Family Advocacy Center?

The Child and Family Advocacy Center is a resource to families and to the agencies which investigate and intervene in child abuse cases in Elkhart County. The advocacy center provides kid-friendly, forensic (fact-finding) interviews and assessments for children, advocacy and support for family members, and other programs focused on assisting the child victims and their families.

What is a forensic interview?

A forensic interview is a fact-finding, objective interview designed to reduce possible trauma to the child while enabling them to talk about their experience.

Why is a forensic interview done?

A forensic interview is conducted at the request of team members when there is reason to believe that a child may have been abused or witnessed a traumatic event.

The advocacy center interviewing process reduces the number of interviews and interviewers to which a child is subjected, and enhances the chances of obtaining evidence for prosecution.

What happens before the interview?

The child and family members wait in a room full of toys and child-friendly furniture. The interviewer meets with the child before the interview and spends some time playing with them and getting to know them before starting the interview.

What happens with the child during the interview?

Children are interviewed at the center in a room that is decorated in an age-appropriate, non-threatening manner. The CFAC team includes law enforcement agents, Division of Child Services investigators, forensic interviewers, and a family advocate. Prior to interviewing a child, the professionals share relevant information. A professional interviewer then interviews the child on videotape using techniques that are objective, non-leading and helpful in building evidence for prosecution. CFAC staff are also responsible for scheduling a physical examination if one is needed.

How are non-offending family members supported?

The family members meet with the family advocate. Family members receive systemic information, referral service and support during this time. The family advocate is available to family members as needed after the interview.

What happens after the interview?

Advocacy Center Staff offers emotional support and education to children and their parents about testifying in court. They will be acquainted with the rules of court and the professionals they will meet. The family advocate is available to answer questions and offer support.

What happens if there is no disclosure?

A child’s first interview at the advocacy center may or may not result in a disclosure. When it does not result in a disclosure, the advocacy staff may need to take time in a safe environment to build rapport with the child. This increased rapport will, hopefully lead to the child disclosing to the interviewer the facts regarding the abuse.

Who does the advocacy center collaborate with?

  • Elkhart County Sheriffs Department

  • Elkhart City Police Department
  • Goshen Police Department
  • Nappanee Police Department
  • Bristol Police Department
  • Wakarusa Police Department
  • Middlebury Police Department
  • Millersburg Police Department
  • Indiana State Police
  • The Office of Family and Children
  • Holy Cross
  • Oaklawn
  • Victims Assistance Services
  • Bristol Street Pediatrics
  • Posecutor’s office

The advocacy center also offers:

  Education - The advocacy center provides education to the Elkhart County community, as well as training for the professionals who provide services to abused and neglected children and their families.

Community education - the Child and Family Advocacy Center staff provides presentations and in-service training on child abuse issues to local groups, but are not limited to advocacy center and system information. Topics include child abuse indicators and reporting procedures, date rape, domestic violence and shaken infant syndrome.