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In month of April we at the Child Advocacy Center recognize Child Abuse Prevention month. Each year we work to host activities, spread awareness, and make lasting community connections. We hope that you join us for some or all of these activities we and our amazing partners and volunteers have planned for you!
Download the Calendar: 2023 Child Abuse Prevention Month Activity Calendar
You can also check out our events Page at kawerak.org/events for more information.
Child Advocacy Center
Mission: To provide a child-friendly, culturally respectful place where caring professionals work together to help children, families and communities affected by abuse.
Our Vision: Safe and healthy children whose voices will be heard.
What is the Childhood Advocacy Center?
The Kawerak Child Advocacy center is a child-friendly, culturally respectful place where caring professionals work together, in one location, to help children and families cope with sexual abuse, severe physical abuse, and exposure to violence.
Referrals are made to the center from the Nome Police Department, AK State troopers, Office of Children’s Services (OCS), and tribal Courts. The referring system will then contact the center to make appointments for forensic interviewing, medical examinations and assessment for treatment services.The center provides a comprehensive multidisciplinary team (MDT) evaluation for child sexual or severe physical abuse concerns with the goal of reducing trauma to children. This may include a forensic interview, medical examination, victim advocacy, counseling support/referrals, and follow up for children and families.
Center Staff
The center staff provides:
- Advocacy for the Child
- Bilingual Interpreters As Requested
- Child & Family Counseling Referrals
- Education, training and Information
- Regional Prevention Activities
- Long-Term Follow-up Support
- Serves on the DFYS Multidisciplinary Team (MDT)
- Coordinating Team Meetings
- Lodging Stipends for Client Families
Forensic Interview
To eliminate multiple interviews of a child, the center offers one location for forensic interviews to take place with specially trained interviewers.
Medical Exam
The Norton Sound Health Corporation (NSHC) Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) provides forensic medical examinations at the center. The exam room is child-friendly and confidential. A child will NEVER be forced to undergo a medical exam or interview.
Investigation Review
An identified interagency team meets monthly to review case information and makes recommendations for follow up services and treatment.
Child Abuse and Neglect
Children and Family Services and the Child Advocacy Center provides services to abused and neglected children and assists with the cultural competence of the Office of Children’s Services (OCS) to ensure cultural values are preserved and respected for the benefit of Alaska Native Families.
If you suspect that a child is being abused or neglected CALL Office of Children’s Services statewide 1-800-478-4444 or by email to reportchildabuse@alaska.gov. Find out more information about reporting at http://dhss.alaska.gov/ocs/Pages/childrensjustice/mandatoryreporting.aspx.
If you are unsure whether or not to report, please report or ask a mandated report or call the Child Advocacy Center at 907-443-4488.
In month of April we at the Child Advocacy Center recognize Child Abuse Prevention month. Each year we work to host activities, spread awareness, and make lasting community connections. We hope that you join us for some or all of these activities we and our amazing partners and volunteers have planned for you!
Download the Calendar: 2023 Child Abuse Prevention Month Activity Calendar
You can also check out our events Page at kawerak.org/events for more information.
Child Advocacy Center
Mission: To provide a child-friendly, culturally respectful place where caring professionals work together to help children, families and communities affected by abuse.
Our Vision: Safe and healthy children whose voices will be heard.
What is the Childhood Advocacy Center?
The Kawerak Child Advocacy center is a child-friendly, culturally respectful place where caring professionals work together, in one location, to help children and families cope with sexual abuse, severe physical abuse, and exposure to violence.
Referrals are made to the center from the Nome Police Department, AK State troopers, Office of Children’s Services (OCS), and tribal Courts. The referring system will then contact the center to make appointments for forensic interviewing, medical examinations and assessment for treatment services.The center provides a comprehensive multidisciplinary team (MDT) evaluation for child sexual or severe physical abuse concerns with the goal of reducing trauma to children. This may include a forensic interview, medical examination, victim advocacy, counseling support/referrals, and follow up for children and families.
Center Staff
The center staff provides:
- Advocacy for the Child
- Bilingual Interpreters As Requested
- Child & Family Counseling Referrals
- Education, training and Information
- Regional Prevention Activities
- Long-Term Follow-up Support
- Serves on the DFYS Multidisciplinary Team (MDT)
- Coordinating Team Meetings
- Lodging Stipends for Client Families
Forensic Interview
To eliminate multiple interviews of a child, the center offers one location for forensic interviews to take place with specially trained interviewers.
Medical Exam
The Norton Sound Health Corporation (NSHC) Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) provides forensic medical examinations at the center. The exam room is child-friendly and confidential. A child will NEVER be forced to undergo a medical exam or interview.
Investigation Review
An identified interagency team meets monthly to review case information and makes recommendations for follow up services and treatment.
Child Abuse and Neglect
Children and Family Services and the Child Advocacy Center provides services to abused and neglected children and assists with the cultural competence of the Office of Children’s Services (OCS) to ensure cultural values are preserved and respected for the benefit of Alaska Native Families.
If you suspect that a child is being abused or neglected CALL Office of Children’s Services statewide 1-800-478-4444 or by email to reportchildabuse@alaska.gov. Find out more information about reporting at http://dhss.alaska.gov/ocs/Pages/childrensjustice/mandatoryreporting.aspx.
If you are unsure whether or not to report, please report or ask a mandated report or call the Child Advocacy Center at 907-443-4488.