What We Do

Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Investigation and Facilitation

A multidisciplinary team (MDT) investigation brings together professionals from different fields—like law enforcement, child protection, medical, mental health, and advocacy—to work as a team when a child may have been abused. Instead of each agency working separately, the team shares information and coordinates efforts to ensure the child gets the best care while the case is thoroughly and efficiently investigated. This team approach helps avoid repeated interviews and reduces stress on the child and family. Facilitation means keeping the team organized and communicating well, so everyone stays focused on the child’s safety, healing, and justice.

Forensic Interviews

Child forensic interviewing is a special way of talking to children who may have experienced or witnessed something serious, like abuse or a crime. These interviews are done by trained professionals who know how to speak with children in a gentle, respectful, and non-leading way. The main goal of a forensic interview is for a child to tell their story in a way that protects the child’s well-being. These conversations happen in safe, child-friendly settings and follow guidelines to make sure the child feels comfortable and is not pressured. Interviewers ask open-ended questions and give the child time to share what they know or remember, without putting ideas in their head.

Child Forensic Medical Examinations

A child forensic medical exam is a special kind of medical check-up for children who may have been abused or harmed. It’s done by doctors or nurses who are specially trained to work with children and understand the medical and emotional needs of kids in these situations. The purpose of the exam is to make sure the child is healthy and safe, to treat any injuries or infections, and to look for signs that might help explain what happened. It’s also a chance for the child and their caregivers to ask questions and get support. Everything is done with care, respect, and privacy, and the child’s well-being is always the top priority.

These exams are done in a calm, child-friendly environment. The medical team explains everything in a way the child can understand and lets them know they’re in control; nothing happens without their permission. Depending on the situation, the exam might include a head-to-toe check-up, collecting samples (if needed), or taking photos to document injuries. Importantly, most exams show that a child’s body is normal, even if abuse did happen. That’s because many types of abuse don’t leave visible marks. Whether or not anything is found, the exam can give peace of mind and be an important step in healing and protecting the child.

Family Advocacy

Family advocacy services support children and their families after a child may have experienced abuse or trauma. Advocates help families understand the process—like medical exams, interviews, or court—and connect them with resources such as counseling, legal help, or emergency support. They also provide emotional support, answer questions, and make sure families don’t feel alone during a difficult time. The goal is to reduce stress, help families feel empowered, and ensure the child’s needs are met every step of the way.

Mental Health Services

Mental health services offered at the PCAC are trauma-focused and evidenced based. Trauma-focused mental health services mean support and therapy designed for children who have been through scary or upsetting experiences, like abuse, violence, or serious accidents. These services help kids understand their feelings, feel safe, and learn healthy ways to cope. Therapists use special techniques that have been proven to help children heal from trauma, often involving play, talking, or creative activities. The goal is to support the child’s emotional recovery, strengthen their sense of safety, and help them move forward in a healthy way. Caregivers are often involved too, so the whole family can heal together.

Training and Workshops

Training and workshops for communities, professionals, and other groups to increase awareness of the prevalence of sexual abuse as well as indicators, treatment options, and legal proceedings are provided.