Children's Advocacy Center
Children's Advocacy Center
- About Us
- Contact Us
- Media
- Children Advocacy Services
- Closed Circuit Testimony
- Depositions
- Forensic Interviews
- The Outreach Program
About Children’s Advocacy Center
The Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) of the Children’s Justice Center is designed as a safe and welcoming place for children making allegations of criminal level child abuse. By working as a team with law enforcement, child protective investigators, medical professionals and mental health professionals the Child Advocacy Center ensures that children are heard, helps minimize secondary victimization by the interventions intended to protect them.
CAC services are provided at the Mary Lee’s house and must be scheduled by law enforcement or other professionals. We strive to protect the privacy of the children we serve so you must have an appointment to enter our facility.
Services Provided by the Children’s Advocacy Center at Mary Lee’s House
- Child Advocacy Services
- Closed Circuit Testimony
- Depositions
- Forensic Interviews
- The Outreach Program
Children Advocacy Services
The purpose of Child Advocacy Services at the Children’s Advocacy Center located at Mary Lee’s house is to provide advocacy, support, referral and community liaison services to children and their families involved in child abuse investigations. Child Advocacy Services provides families the opportunity to receive widespread multidisciplinary services without dealing with multiple agencies. It aims to ensure all children receive the necessary and most appropriate services based on a comprehensive assessment. Child Advocacy Services is committed to providing prevention, intervention and treatment services to children and their families while upholding integrity in using our child friendly approach.
- Advocacy and support to children and caregivers Crisis Counseling
- Referrals for counseling and community resources
- Safety planning
- Assistance in filing Victim Compensation Claims
- Follow up contact and support
- Multidisciplinary Staffing
- Coordination of sexual abuse medical exams with the Child Protection Team (CPT)
The Judge can hold a remote testimony via closed-circuit teleconferencing technology. This allows for the child to be in a secure location without having to enter into a courtroom setting, while the Judge joins via "television" to dispense justice in a "child-friendly" manner without compromising the judicial process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “Closed Circuit” testimony?
The Judge can hold a remote testimony via closed-circuit teleconferencing technology. This allows for the child to be in a secure location without having to enter into a courtroom setting, while the Judge joins via "television" to dispense justice in a "child-friendly" manner without compromising the judicial process.
What does "Closed Circuit" mean?
It means that the child’s testimony is to be transmitted “live” to the courtroom where it can be seen and heard by the judge, jury and others as it is given and, at the same time, the proceedings in the courtroom are to be transmitted to the room where the child is, so they can be seen and heard as they occur by the child and the attorneys in the room.
What happens during closed circuit testimony?
When you and your child arrive, you will wait in the family room. The family room has a TV, books, and toys. A separate interview room is designed to make your child feel comfortable. The room has a video camera and microphones in the ceiling. Before hand the forensic teams gathers to discuss the case at hand. The child is escorted to a private room by CAC staff. All parties that the judge has ordered to be in the testimony room with the child will see the judge on the flat screen and the judge will swear the child in, asking for the truth. Once that occurs, questions may be asked only by the Judge, or through a CAC interviewer, or by the defendant's attorney. The testimony is recorded on DVD.
Who is with my child during the testimony?
It depends upon the type of case and order of the Court. Usually the attorneys involved in the case as well as persons the court feels are necessary for the well-being and welfare of the child.
May I watch the testimony from another room?
You may not watch the testimony from another room unless the Judge orders it to occur.
Is the testimony videotaped?
The testimony is recorded on DVD to preserve the testimony as part of the trial records and for transcribing if necessary.
If so, may I watch the video of my child’s testimony?
You may watch the video of your child’s testimony if ordered by the Judge.
Who will watch my child’s testimony?
Normally the only persons who will see the testimony of the child is the attorneys of record, the courtroom and CAC technical personnel, the jury if applicable, the defendant(s).
Will my child have to give more than one testimony?
Generally the child will testify only once in a case unless the Court allows otherwise.
Depositions of minor children occur at the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) according to Florida Rules of Criminal Procedures 3.220 (h) (4) or Florida Rules of Juvenile Procedure 8.245(E). A deposition is an out-of-court oral testimony transcribed for later use in court and to gather evidence in anticipation of trial. Deposed children are placed under oath and are recorded by CAC staff and/or a court reporter for use in court proceedings. A prosecutor and an attorney that represents the accused are present. A representative from the Office of the State Attorney’s Victim Assistant Program may be present in sexual abuse cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a deposition?
Giving a testimony before the court or out-of-court testimony made under oath and recorded by an authorized officer for later use in court.
Who will speak with my child?
During a deposition the state attorney will interview your child. Additionally, the public defender or private attorney and a victim’s advocate will be in the room during the deposition.
Where is the deposition conducted?
Depositions are conducted at the Children’s Advocacy Center, located at 2806 N. Armenia Avenue Tampa, Florida 33607. The Children’s Advocacy Center is a child-friendly, safe environment.
How should I prepare my child for the deposition?
The room where the deposition takes place has several chairs and a table. You will be sitting at the end of the table and the lawyers sit on either side. The room has two cameras in it and you are being recorded the whole time you are in the room. This is not meant to make you uncomfortable. What you have to say is very important so the lawyers have the deposition recorded so that they can remember everything you had to say.
What happens during the deposition?
At the beginning of the deposition, someone will ask the child to promise to tell the truth. The lawyers will then take turns asking questions. If the child gets confused or doesn’t understand something that is said they are instructed to let the attorneys know. They are also instructed that if they do not know the answer to a question or do not remember what happened, it is o.k. to tell them that, too.
Why is the deposition videotaped?
The deposition is recorded so that what you say can be preserved for later review so everything the child says can be remembered and referenced.
May I watch the deposition?
You may not watch the video but, if the lawyers agree, you can watch from another room while in progress. Only those people who are directly involved in the deposition are allowed to be in the room. This is done for two reasons. The first is to create a neutral setting to reduce the possible stress that can be placed on a child. The second is to avoid any influence that the child’s statements may have on your own knowledge of the alleged crime as you may or may not have been a witness to the alleged crime.
Who will watch the video of my child’s deposition?
All attorneys involved in the case, possibly the defendant, and possibly the Judge.
Will my child have to participate in more than one deposition?
There is usually only one deposition taken per child witness.
May I ask my child about what happened during the deposition?
Yes, however questions should be limited and direction of the questioning should be sought from the State Attorney’s Office.
Should I get counseling for my child?
Yes. Children may be uncomfortable discussing the abuse with their parents because of shame or guilt. Children dislike seeing their parents upset or angry. Therefore, they may try to protect their parents by not telling them about the abuse. Children may interpret a parent’s negative emotions with the situation as negative feelings toward the child. Reassure your child that you are not upset with them, rather that you are upset with the situation. For the above reasons, it is important to give your child the opportunity to talk with a professional. Children have different needs that must be addressed from the incident to recovery. Should negative emotions and reactions to the abuse remain untreated, or if the child cannot properly express discomfort; a child will only experience greater suffering and trauma. Mental health therapists can apply their special training, knowledge, and experience to help ensure that your child recovers as quickly as possible. Family counseling is also a valuable tool in the road to recovery. Allowing your child to talk to a professional child therapist is a positive step toward healing. The CAC Advocate will supply you with a list of local mental health professionals in your community.
Forensic Interviewing conducted by the Children’s Advocacy Center of the 13th Judicial Circuit is a first step in investigations, one in which a specially trained interviewer interviews a child to find out if he or she has been the victim of abuse. The interview is viewed by a multi-disciplinary team (law enforcement, child protection, medical, victim’s advocacy) so they can gather the information they need to keep the child safe and provide additional services. In addition to obtaining the information needed to make a determination about whether abuse or neglect has occurred, this approach produces evidence that will stand up in court if the investigation leads to criminal prosecution or leads to termination of parental rights. Properly conducted forensic interviews are legally sound in part because they ensure the interviewer’s objectivity, employ non-leading techniques and emphasize careful documentation of the interview.
For Parents Whose Child(ren) is Scheduled for a Forensic Interview
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Forensic Interview?
Forensic interviewing conducted by the Children’s Advocacy Center of the 13th Judicial Circuit is a first step in investigations, one in which a specially trained interviewer interviews a child to find out if he or she has been the victim of abuse. The interview is viewed by a multi-disciplinary team (law enforcement, child protection, medical, victim’s advocacy) so they can gather the information they need to keep the child safe and provide additional services. In addition to obtaining the information needed to make a determination about whether abuse or neglect has occurred, this approach produces evidence that will stand up in court if the investigation leads to criminal prosecution or leads to termination of parental rights. Properly conducted forensic interviews are legally sound in part because they ensure the interviewer’s objectivity, employ non-leading techniques and emphasize careful documentation of the interview.
Will my child have to participate in more than one forensic interview?
The goal of the CAC model is to put the child’s needs first, for most children this means limiting the number of times a child speaks about a traumatic event. Sometimes, it is the child’s best interest to break up the interview into smaller sessions. The multi-disciplinary team of professionals will make the decision based on what is best for your child.
Who will speak with my child?
Your child will speak with a forensic interviewer. The interviewer has a special training and experience with talking to children about difficult subjects. Your child’s need come first and the interviewer’s goal is to make your child as comfortable as possible. Questions are asked in a non-threatening and non-leading manner. The interviewer moves at a pace that is comfortable with your child and never forces a child to talk to them.
Where is the forensic interview conducted?
Forensic Interviews are conducted at the Children’s Advocacy Center, located at 2806 N. Armenia Avenue Tampa, Florida 33607. The Children’s Advocacy Center is a child-friendly, safe environment. Forensic Interviewing services can only be requested by law enforcement and appointments are required to gain access to our facilities.
How should I prepare my child for the forensic interview?
You might tell your child, “You and I are going to the Children’s Advocacy Center. It is a special place where kids go to talk. There will be a person there who talks to lots of kids about what happens to them and that person will be talking to you too.” You might also consider telling your child, “That person will need to know everything that you remember so that we can make sure you are safe and O.K. It is important that you tell the truth and only talk about what really happened.” It is important for you to tell your child, “YOU ARE NOT IN ANY TROUBLE.”
What happens during the forensic interview?
When you and your child arrive, you will wait in the family room. The family room has a TV, books, and toys. A separate interview room is designed to make your child feel comfortable. The room has a video camera and microphones in the ceiling. Before hand the forensic teams gathers to discuss the case at hand. The child is escorted to a private room with the child by the forensic interviewer. Upon beginning the interview the forensic interviewer explains why they are there, shows them the cameras and explains that there are microphones in the room. Additionally, the forensic interviewer explains that the interview is being recorded and that they are wearing an IFB device; which enables the forensic team watching the interview (from another room) to speak directly to interviewer so that they are able to relay and additional questions by the forensic team without the child being able to hear them. This limits the child’s contact to one person during the interview process.
Who does the “forensic team” consist of?
Typically , the team consists of a law enforcement detective and the child protection investigator. If the case necessitates, a guardian ad litem, the Child Protection Team, a representative from the State Attorney’s Office and / or the Office of the attorney General, Children’s Legal Services and the Child Advocate from CAC may also be part of the “forensic team” viewing the interview.
May I watch the video of my child’s interview?
The video cannot be viewed if there is an active criminal investigation.
Who will watch the video of my child’s interview?
The interview will watched by other investigative team members. Other professionals involved in the case may watch the child’s interview and this is determined on a case by case basis.
May I watch the forensic interview?
No, only those people who are directly involved in the investigation are allowed to observe the interview. This is done for two reasons; first is to create a neutral setting to reduce the possible stress that can be placed on a child. Second, is to avoid any influence the child’s statements may have on your own knowledge of the crime as you may or may not have been a witness. This may come into question during the prosecution phase of the case. You may bring a support person to wait with you during the interview. This person may then wait with the child when you have your opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns with the investigative team upon completion of the interview. Upon request, the staff may provide you with support during the interview.
Why is the forensic interview videotaped?
To reduce the number of times a child is asked investigative questions regarding allegations of abuse, a joint investigative interview is conducted and the interview is recorded. The interview is recorded and stored digitally. If requested, a copy of the interview is released to law enforcement and then becomes official evidence in the case and follows the chain of custody guidelines for evidence.
What happens after the forensic interview?
You will talk to Victim’s Advocates from either the CAC or a Case Manager from the Child Protection Team while your child is being interviewed. After the interview the Investigative Team will tell you, in general terms, what they learned from the interview. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and voice your concerns. When the team is finished with their investigation, the detective will send the reports to the State Attorney’s office. The State Attorney will decide whether or not to prosecute, not the child or parent. Your child may have to go to court to testify. If this happens, the Advocate will meet with your child to prepare them.
Will my child need a medical exam?
The investigative team members will decide if your child needs a medical exam. If one is needed, Law Enforcement will contact the Child Protection Team (CPT) to set and appointment. An Advocate will attend this exam with you and your child. You might tell your child, “We are going to see a nurse who takes care of kids. The nurse is not going to hurt you. She just needs to make sure your body is okay.”
If my child needs a medical exam where do I take them?
Medical exams of children are done at the Child Protection Team located on the 2nd floor of Mary Lee’s House. Arrangements are made by law enforcement or as requested by law enforcement through the CAC.
May I ask my child about what happened during the forensic interview?
No, not unless your child brings up the subject and wants to talk about it. In that case, listen to your child without commenting or questioning. Be sure to reassure your child that he/she will be alright. If your child tells you something that alarms or upsets you, contact the CPT or CAC Advocate.
Should I get counseling for my child?
Yes. Children may be uncomfortable discussing the abuse with their parents because of shame or guilt. Children dislike seeing their parents upset or angry. Therefore, they may try to protect their parents by not telling them about the abuse. Children may interpret a parent’s negative emotions with the situation as negative feelings toward the child. Reassure your child that you are not upset with them, rather that you are upset with the situation. For the above reasons, it is important to give your child the opportunity to talk with a professional. Children have different needs that must be addressed from the incident to recovery. Should negative emotions and reactions to the abuse remain untreated, or if the child cannot properly express discomfort; a child will only experience greater suffering and trauma. Mental health therapists can apply their special training, knowledge, and experience to help ensure that your child recovers as quickly as possible. Family counseling is also a valuable tool in the road to recovery. Allowing your child to talk to a professional child therapist is a positive step toward healing. The CPT or CAC Advocate will link you to the mental health services that will help your child recover.
The program provides up-to-date training on "How to Talk to Children" for law enforcement's first responders at the scene of the investigation and promotes child abuse awareness and prevention in community forums including:
Goal: Educate the community of child abuse issues and enlist support to help prevent child abuse
Preventing child abuse is one of our top priorities at the Children’s Justice Center. Research strongly suggests that primary prevention, made before problems develop, is by far the least expensive and most effective means of solving a wide range of social problems including child abuse and neglect.
- To break the cycle of abuse by working together with families in our community to help improve lives.
- To help educate the community on how to prevent or identify and respond to child abuse.
- To coordinate and integrate prevention services throughout Hillsborough County.
- To listen when you tell us what your family needs. Remember you don’t have to go it alone; we are a phone call away.
- To bring you up-to-date information on new ideas and events that will help educate all of us on strengthening families.
- To respect the family unit and your abilities as a parent
The Children's Advocacy Center also offers Darkness to Light’s Stewards of Children. This is a revolutionary sexual abuse prevention training program that educates ADULTS to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. The program is designed for organizations that serve youth and recognizes that adults are responsible for the safety of children.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Outreach Program?
The outreach program provides training to child abuse investigators, detectives, street patrol officers, and foster care providers on “How to Talk to Children”- at the scene of an initial report.
In addition, the CJC provides child abuse prevention tools at community forums, which is possible through a partnership with the Keeping Kids Safe Partnership of Hillsborough County. The State Attorney’s Office (Victims Assistance) provides child-friendly information, which is given to victims and witness that help prepare them to testify in Criminal Court.
What is Stewards of Children?
Darkness to Light’s Stewards of Children is a revolutionary sexual abuse prevention training program that educates ADULTS to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. The program is designed for organizations that serve youth and recognizes that adults are responsible for the safety of children.
Who uses the program?
Organizations and Corporations who are:
- Seeking training for staff and volunteers in the prevention of child sexual abuse.
- Wanting to make a difference in their community by educating adults about the protection of children.
- Needing to respond to insurance requirements regarding child protection.
- Wanting to enhance community training initiatives and develop potential sources of revenue.
How does the Children's Advocacy Center deliver the program?
Stewards of Children is a 2.5 hour training program available through an authorized facilitator. An authorized facilitator is an individual who has been educated and equipped by Darkness to Light to deliver the program within a particular organization and the broader community. Authorized Facilitators have access to all of the Stewards of Children training tools.
The Children’s Advocacy Center now has three Authorized Facilitators available to deliver the Darkness to Light Stewards of Children training.
What is the cost?
The materials for the training can be purchased through the Authorized Facilitator for $15.00 per person attending the training. The training itself comes at no cost to the organization.
Where can I find further information?
For more information about the Darkness to Light Stewards of Children training or to schedule an Authorized Facilitator for your organization, please contact The Children’s Advocacy Center at Mary Lee’s House at: (813) 272–KIDS (5437) or e-mail davislm@fljud13.org or sainsbmn@fljud13.org.