Looking out for the children

April 3, 2005

CASEY RESSLER/Frontiersman Valley Life Editor

A child who is suspected of being a victim of abuse can be traumatized by examinations and interrogations, and that's why The Children's Place has been such a positive part of helping children through some of the darkest moments of their lives.

The Children's Place is a safe environment where children who may have been physically or sexually abused can be interviewed by law enforcement agencies and be given a medical examination in a very kid-friendly atmosphere that fosters the belief that "there are no secrets."

"We try to create the atmosphere for children that they feel very comfortable, and not threatened," said Jen Downey, executive director of The Children's Place. "Every medical examination is non-invasive. Our team is trained to forensiclly interview children in comforting ways."

Cases are referred to The Children's Place through the Office of Children's Services (OCS), following reports from a number of sources - schools, neighbors and other family members, for example. Downey said it's important for people to understand that they won't be subject to repercussions if they report an abuse case, and that they will only be helping children.

"Your name is absolutely not identified on the report. Some people are afraid to report abuse cases because they fear retaliation or are just scared to do it. It is against the law to identify a person's name on the report."

The first priority at The Children's House is always the safety of the child. The seven full-time staff members work very closely with the Child Abuse Investigations Unit, which is comprised of two Alaska State Troopers and one Wasilla Police Department officer, OCS staff and a host of other agencies.

"Basically, we facilitate the whole process," Downey said. "We are not making decisions on investigations, but we are pulling everyone together in a way that is safe and comforting to the child."

The Children's Place stays with a family for up to one full year, offering children and family members referrals to a wide range of counseling.

The Children's Place, which officially opened in 1999, is one of seven Child Advocacy Centers in Alaska, and one of 600 nationally.

Dr. Cathy Baldwin-Johnson is the center's volunteer medical director, while Marg Volz is the full-time nurse practitioner. The center has seen 805 children since it opened, and the caseload is only getting bigger.

"I think with the growth of the area, we've seen more severe cases of abuse," Downey said.

A second program the center administers is the Dual Track Program, which is aimed at lower-risk children and families. After receiving a report, OCS officials may refer the family to the Dual Track program rather than open an investigation.

Staff members from The Children's Place then go out and meet the family, either at their home or some other public place.

After that meeting, the staff from The Children's Place can get the families in touch with the appropriate agencies or organizations.

"It can be something like a child is coming to school dirty all the time, without lunch money or a winter coat, for example," Downey said. "Sometimes we may find out the parents are out of work and don't have money, but we can get them in touch with someone who can get them a winter coat, or the school lunch program. A lot of the cases are neglect cases that we can help with."

The Children's Place has seen 4,100 cases in the Dual Track program.

"It can be little less scary for parents to talk with us about some of the problems than having OCS come out," Downey said. "It can be less intimidating for parents."

Downey said working at The Children's Place can be hard, but in the end, it's worth it.

"Sure, there are horrible, sad days, but I always try to keep the bigger picture in mind," Downey said. "It's rewarding to work here and see how you can help a child.

"When a child who was just interviewed and had to go through a medical examination wants to stay there so they can play with the dolls and eat their crackers and drink their juice, you know you are a part of something successful here," Downey said.