Advocacy & Support Services

When a report of child abuse is made, the child and their family are usually in a state of crisis. In approximately 90% of cases, the perpetrator is someone the child knows and trusts, sometimes even a parent or guardian.

Children are referred to New Hope through the Department of Children’s Services or law enforcement to receive services such as a forensic interview, advocacy services, medical examination, and/or therapy.

New Hope has multiple Advocates on staff who provide support across both the forensic interview process and ongoing therapeutic services. Advocates work closely with children and families during forensic interviews, medical exams, and throughout the investigation, ensuring they feel supported and informed. Advocates also provide coordination within the therapy department, helping families access services and continue receiving care as they move through the healing process.

I’m very lucky to see these children and their families find their resilience and grow and heal and give themselves a new hope for a better future. 

Macie Rogers

Advocacy Services:

Our Child & Family Advocates provide services for families during the investigative process and during therapy, as they begin their journey toward healing. These support services may include:

  • Explaining the forensic interview and investigative process to families, as well as providing education on child trauma and available services for the child and their family.
  • Completing a needs assessment with the non-offending caregiver to identify any additional needs and connecting families to community resources as appropriate. Advocates also maintain a clothing closet to provide children with clothes, hygiene items, shoes, and other essential items.
  • Coordinating forensic medical exams, whether emergency (within 72 hours) or non-emergency.
  • Participating in Child Protective Investigative Team (CPIT) meetings, ensuring the family’s voice is represented during multidisciplinary case reviews.
  • Collaborating with therapists and non-offending caregivers to ensure continuity of care throughout the healing process.
  • Accompanying children to court to help them feel safe, supported, and prepared.