Programs and Services

An allegation of child sexual abuse often places families in one of the most difficult times of their lives. Few families are prepared to navigate through the complex legal and investigative maze. The Child Advocacy Center staff assists families as they gain a new sense of empowerment and normalcy through education, support, and referral services. The Advocacy Program exists to help reduce the trauma of child sexual abuse by providing the following services:

• Neutral, child friendly enviroment
• Crisis counseling
• Explanation of investigatory and judicial process
• Explanation of crime victim rights
• Case management and referral services
• Court notification and accompaniment
• Coordination of multi-disciplinary team efforts
• On site therapeutic services
• Specially trained Forensic Interviews

First Steps

A universal Parent support program providing expectant parents and families with children birth to five parenting education, emotional support, and referrals to community resources.

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A free home visiting program for pregnant women or families with newborns. This evidence and strength based home visiting program will assist families in providing their children with nurturing care essential to healthy development. Primary goals of Healthy Families Houston County include: family goal setting, child wellness, parenting support, community resources, family relationships, and functioning.

Parenting is the most important and difficult job in the world, and yet it is the job that we are least prepared for. There is no “diploma” in how to be a great mom or dad! For parents wanting to learn more about positive parenting skills and strategies, Rainbow House offers parenting classes and information to groups or individuals.

A literacy program designed to strengthen communities by providing quality books and literacy resources monthly for children under five and their families.

Darkness to Light’s Stewards of Children training is a sexual abuse prevention training program that educates adults to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. It is an award-winning training program that is evidence-based and is appropriate for organizations, businesses, and individuals who want to protect children. The training also teaches individuals about the circumstances under which child sexual abuse occurs and which factors increase a child’s risk, as well as the immediate and long-term consequences of child sexual abuse.

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A specialty designed class on the prevention, recognition, and responsibility of mandated reporters.

Look for various activities in Houston County promoting child abuse prevention awareness.