SELENE GONZALEZ

FLORENCE, Wis.– Caring House has received funding from Wisconsin Victims of Crime Act to provide Child Advocacy Center services for children in Wisconsin.

This grant provides trauma-informed services for children and families who have been victims or witnesses of domestic violence and sexual assault directly in Florence County and other Wisconsin communities. Along with it comes a new outreach office for children and families above the Encore on Central Avenue in Florence.

The Wisconsin advocates offer counseling, advocacy, and other crisis intervention support for child survivors through implementing Caring House’s child and teen program services as well as Child Advocacy Center services.

The CAC is a child-friendly facility where law enforcement, child protection, prosecution, mental health, medical, and victim advocacy professionals all work together to investigate abuse, help children heal from abuse, and hold offenders accountable.

“We assist families in making informed decisions in their life by offering resources in our area for housing, utilities, food, victim’s rights, medical, and mental health assistance — and more,” said Selene Gonzalez, Wisconsin child advocate.

Advocacy services include safety planning, forensic medical exam accompaniment, and legal advocacy such as temporary restraining order assistance and court accompaniment. Families receiving services also have the opportunity to learn how trauma has impacted their lives and their options moving forward.

Advocates work with families even after the initial investigation (if there is one) to provide ongoing crisis intervention. They discuss whether they are in need of assistance in securing mental health services or medical services, among other things.

“We can go to the courthouse with families or make calls with them to figure out what the next step is,”

Gonzalez said. “We also really look at social needs such as food pantries or housing assistance. Our advocates can assist in filling out housing assistance applications or crime victim compensation applications or with court preparation. We can even bring the child to the courtroom, introduce them to judges and deputies, and help them get comfortable with the idea of testifying for the day they really need to be present.”

Children who are witnesses or victims of domestic violence or sexual assault can receive these advocacy services free of charge, confidentially, and even if they are not in immediate need of a forensic interview.

The public is encouraged to pass along Caring House contact information to anyone who may use it.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Caring House services will consistently be open and available to the public. The Child Advocacy Center is able to conduct forensic interviews and a family advocate will be available for support.

Domestic violence, sexual assault, and secondary victim services can be done online, over the phone, or in person. The center follows all current CDC guidelines and social distancing protocols.

For more information, please contact the Caring House crisis line at 906-774-1112 or Wisconsin child advocate Selene Gonzalez at 906-221-9341.