The YWCA CARE House is the only child advocacy center in Rock County, providing a safe haven for abused children to be interviewed. Interviews are conducted by a multi-disciplinary team, which includes: YWCA, law enforcement, district attorney’s office, Child Protective Services, Victim Witness, and when necessary, a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner.
The CARE House also provides support groups and resources for child victims of sexual and physical abuse, neglect, witness to a crime, drug endangerment, and human trafficking.
YWCA CARE House | Child Advocacy Center
CARE House Services
A safe and youth-friendly environment to conduct forensic child abuse interviews
A support group for youth victims of abuse
A resource room and lending library
Presentations and tours to community groups
A place to call with child abuse questions
How Forensic interviews Work
When a child is interviewed at the CARE House, a professionally trained interviewer asks open-ended questions and works to re-assure the child, making sure that child knows they are not in trouble.
The interview takes place in a room designed specifically for that purpose in a calm and neutral setting.
Members of a multi-disciplinary team observe the process on a monitor from a nearby viewing room. The forensic interviews are recorded, which then becomes part of evidence and may be used in court proceedings.
During the interview, non-offending parents and/or caregivers wait in the family room with a CARE House Child/Family Advocate. This is an opportunity for family members to ask questions, share concerns and reduce anxiety. The Child/Family Advocate brings comfort and care to a family during this difficult time.
Following the child’s interview, parents are briefed on basic details of the interview and are given the next steps in this process.
Follow-Ups and Referrals
After the interview, CARE House Child/Family Advocates may make referrals to individual or family counseling. The advocates also regularly follow-up with families. An advocate may also connect families with other helpful community agencies as needed. For more information about local services, please contact YWCA CARE Forensic Interviewer: Jamie Dieckhoff (608)352-2016 ext. 260 or jdieckhoff@ywcarockco.com
Support Groups
CARE House offers many support groups to youth who have experienced trauma, and offers support groups to their caregivers.
Youth
Lessons for Life is a community-wide support group for youth ages 5-8 (co-ed) and 9-12 (girls and boys) who have experienced emotional, physical, or sexual abuse and who may be having difficulties interpersonal skills. Lessons for Life gives children the opportunity to share and learn with each other using a curriculum designed to include fun, interactive games, and personal sharing. The goal for the group is to equip children with valuable skills needed for everyday living.
Second Wednesdays of the Month
4:00-5:30 p.m.- Girls (ages 9-12)
6:00-7:30 p.m. – Boys (ages 9-12)
Third Wednesdays of the Month
4:30-5:15 p.m. – Co-ed (ages 5-8)
Teens
CARE House Hope Circles for Teens focus on the needs of diverse groups of adolescents who have survived abuse. These years are challenging time of rapid physical, emotional, and intellectual growth, and teens who have experienced abuse or assault can face additional obstacles. CARE House Hope Circles for Teens provide safe spaces where teens girls, teen boys, and LGBTQI teens can feel accepted, heard, and understood as they navigate their own unique healing journeys.
First Wednesdays of the Month
4:00-5:30 p.m. – Teen girls (ages 13-17)
6:00-7:30 p.m. – Teen Boys (ages 13-17)
Third Wednesdays of the Month
6:00-7:30 p.m. – LGBTQI* (ages 13-17)
*all orientations and identities are also welcome at First Wednesday groups
Parents/Caregivers
CARE House Circles for Parents/Caregivers offer an opportunity for parents/caregivers of survivors of child abuse to share with others to know they are not alone. In this group, participants can explore their own feelings and learn information and techniques to better support themselves and the child(ren) in their care. Childcare is provided during these meetings.
Fourth Wednesdays of the Month
6:00-7:30 p.m.- parents/caregivers
