Frequently Asked Questions
|
how do i report child abuse?
To report child abuse, please call the Indiana Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-800-5556. Find more information about reporting abuse.
how do i take advantage of other services offered by the department of child services?
There are hotlines specific to individual services you may need -- please refer to the list below:
How does Holly's House differ from Albion Fellows Bacon Center, the YWCA, and other organizations that assist victims of intimate crimes?
Holly's House is not a shelter. Holly's House provides a safe, comforting location for making a formal crime report. After Holly's House clients have been interviewed, Holly's House works in partnership with other agencies to ensure victims have access to other resources throughout their healing journey. Albion Fellows Bacon Center and the YWCA are two of our partners who do provide shelter services for individuals needing a safe place to stay when leaving a violent relationship. Holly’s House strives not to duplicate any services that already exist in the community.
what is a Child advocacy center?
A Child Advocacy Center (CAC) is a child-focused facility that coordinates the investigation, treatment, and prosecution of child abuse cases. CACs utilize a multidisciplinary team approach, brining together professionals from various fields to provide a safe and supportive environment for children and families affected by abuse.
Holly's House works collaboratively with the Indiana Department of Child Services and law enforcement agencies to ensure that families have an opportunity to connect with other services including medical care, counseling, and other supportive services while at Holly's House. how does holly's house differ from the previous set-up or system?
Prior to Holly's House, children experiencing intimate crime would go to the police department to file a report. Most police stations are busy places with public waiting rooms. In addition, the interview rooms at most law enforcement centers are used for both victims and suspects. These rooms are designed to support the authority of the law enforcement officer when working with a suspect and does not creating a comforting environment for a child.
Holly's House had dedicated rooms to provide services for adults and children. Every attempt is made to ensure feelings of safety and support. Holly's House serves as a hub for survivors to meet with representatives from multiple agencies in one location. does holly's house support both adults and children?
Yes, Holly’s House has separate areas to serve adults and children.
Services for adults include providing support while someone experiencing domestic or sexual violence meets with a detective to report the crime. The interview can be recorded for the detective to preserve the accuracy of the initial statement, without having the reporter repeat details. In addition, staff members work with clients and his/her support system to identify other services that are needed and assist in referrals to those services. Holly's House assists with the investigation with children when there has been an allegation of abuse by conducting a forensic interview. Representatives from both the Department of Child Services and local law enforcement can witness the interview. Interviews with children are facilitated by staff members who are skilled in the Child First process for child forensic interviews. By conducting one interview with both agencies observing, the child is spared having to repeat the details of the abuse multiple times to multiple people. As with our services for adults, interviews with children are recorded to preserve the accuracy of their statement and prevent the need for multiple interviews as an investigation proceeds. While at Holly's House children and their caregivers are connected with other services available to support them through the healing process. |