Mary Bridge Children's Hospital

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Children's Advocacy Center of Pierce County

Putting Children First

The mission of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Pierce County is to reduce the traumatization of child abuse victims and their families by facilitating a collaborative multidisciplinary approach to prevention, investigation, prosecution and treatment of child abuse.

How do we accomplish that?

By placing the needs of the child first. It is important for a child to receive services as soon as possible after a disclosure is made. Early intervention helps, not only the investigation, but for recovery to begin as well.

We participate in joint interviews, reducing the number of interviews a child must endure to complete an investigation. We improve outcomes by improving the immediacy of follow-up to child abuse reports and providing consistent support for the child and the supportive adults in their lives. In addition we provide community trainings for those who work with children to help to prevent further child abuse victimization.

Who are we?

The Children’s Advocacy Center team includes, but is not limited to, representatives from the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, local law enforcement, Child Protective Services, the Attorney General’s Office, local mental health provider, forensic interviewers, victim advocate, social workers and medical staff from the Mary Bridge Child Abuse Intervention Department.

What is a Child’s Advocacy Center?

A Children’s Advocacy Center is a community based facility designed for children ages 0 through 17 who are victims of suspected child abuse or neglect. We are a team of community professionals, based in one building, that provide a multidisciplinary investigation and case review for specifically identified cases of child abuse.

A special place…

This Children’s Advocacy Center of Pierce County was funded by the Rotary Clubs of Pierce County and the Tacoma Orthopedic Association as well as many other community supporters. Thanks to their generosity, we have created a place to meet the unique needs of our community by providing on-site medical staff, Child Protective Services, forensic interviewers and a mental health therapist. The Safe and Sound building is conveniently located on the Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital & Health Center campus in downtown Tacoma.

Our aquatic theme dècor creates a relaxed atmosphere for children of all ages and is a child friendly, safe place for child abuse victims and their families.

The Children’s Advocacy Center of Pierce County was established for our community to:

• Promote child safety
• Strengthen teamwork among professionals that work with victims of child abuse
• Improve efficiency of referrals to investigative parties, medical, mental health and other treatment providers
• Increase the rate of successful investigation and prosecution
• Be a community resource for the education and training around child abuse issues

The Children’s Advocacy Center of Pierce County is recognized by the National Children’s Alliance and the Washington State Association of Children’s Advocacy Centers.

Child-friendly atmosphere

The Children’s Advocacy Center is a community based facility that has been designed with children in mind. A child friendly and relaxing atmosphere provides children and their families with a calming and supportive environment during a difficult time in their lives. Our lobby is full of children’s books, movies and toys, and includes a large fish tank.