New center provides services for child abuse victims in county
Center provides trauma-informed support and coordinates services to help child victims of abuse and prosecute offenders when necessary
Center provides trauma-informed support and coordinates services to help child victims of abuse and prosecute offenders when necessary– San Luis Obispo County District Attorney Dan Dow has announced the opening of the Child Advocacy Center of San Luis Obispo County (CACSLO) and released a video highlighting the achievement of a long-term effort to provide child victims of abuse and their families with a full-service support center.
The center, led by the District Attorney’s Office, is a collaboration between multiple agencies, including the Center for Family Strengthening, San Luis Obispo County Health Agency, Child Welfare Services, the Sheriff’s Office, the Suspected Abuse Response Team (SART), Victim Witness Assistance Center, and local law enforcement. The center offers multi-disciplinary services to assist the county’s most vulnerable victims and their families.
The center provides trauma-informed support and coordinates services to help child victims of abuse and prosecute offenders when necessary. A Children’s Advocacy Center offers a child-friendly space where law enforcement, child protection, prosecution, mental health, medical, and advocacy professionals work together to investigate abuse, help children heal, and hold abusers accountable. The neutral environment of the center allows team members to collaborate without further harming the victim.
In 2018, the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office and Health Agency partnered with the Center for Family Strengthening to begin developing a Child Advocacy Center for the county. The goal was to create a safe, trauma-informed location where child victims of physical and sexual abuse could undergo a single comprehensive forensic interview by a District Attorney’s Office Child Forensic Interviewer. They also receive forensic medical exams by Health Agency doctors or nurses and advocacy services for their physical and mental well-being.
At the time, the center was implemented across several locations as a process, with the multi-disciplinary team working to coordinate trauma-informed services. Key partners included the District Attorney’s Child Abuse Forensic Interviewer Team, the Center for Family Strengthening, San Luis Obispo County Health Agency doctors and nurses, Child Welfare Services, SART, the Sheriff’s Office, local law enforcement, RISE, and Stand Strong. However, there was no single location, requiring victims to travel between services.
The new center in San Luis Obispo brings all services under one roof, reducing logistical and emotional challenges for victims and their families. The center aims to eliminate gaps in services and minimize additional trauma for victims as they navigate the support process.
“Our Child Advocacy Center is designed around those who deserve our protection and compassion,” said Dow. “Now, law enforcement, family advocates, and medical professionals can provide specialized services in one location, ensuring the health and safety of child victims. The District Attorney’s Office remains committed to holding accountable those who harm our children and working with our partners to guide families through the criminal and victim justice systems.”
“This space will ensure that children and families can access services and have their safety and well-being assessed appropriately,” Child Abuse Interview Team Program Manager Katie Robinson said, “A team of doctors, family advocates, interviewers, and nurses is available at all times to assist law enforcement and child welfare services during investigations.”
“Through this joint endeavor, we strive to provide children and their families with the highest professional, compassionate, and seamless services,” Dr. Nisha Abdul Cader, medical director of the Suspected Abuse Response Team, added.
The center includes a child-focused forensic interview room, children’s playroom, family room, consultation room, interview and conference viewing room, medical exam room, and office space for legal professionals, advocates, behavioral health specialists, medical staff, and the Child Abuse Interview Team. The facility’s inviting décor includes toys, books, televisions, and comfortable seating. The District Attorney’s Courthouse Dog Program also brings in their support dog, Edgar, to comfort children and families during their visits.
