Hearing the Story
Assessment Services
The counselor conducts an interview with a child and caregiver(s) following concerns of child sexual assault or a child’s sexual behavior. If it is determined that the child is not a victim of sexual assault, the family is given support to understand and encourage healthy behavior.
Forensic Interviewing
A specially-trained counselor interviews a child in a nonsuggestive manner to gather information regarding the suspected sexual assault. Other team members observe the interview through one-way glass, ensuring a fully-admissible interview and providing a coordinated interview, reducing the number of times a child must be interviewed.
Law Enforcement
Three Grand Rapids police detectives and two Kent County sheriff’s detectives are housed at the Center. They investigate only reports of alleged child sexual assault. The Center also works closely with detectives in other jurisdictions within Kent County to provide services.
Children’s Protective Services
Four children’s protective services workers are housed at the Center to assure that when child sexual assault—or inappropriate sexual interaction—is suspected, the child is in a safe environment.
Noninvasive Medical Exam
When necessary, a specially-trained pediatrician at the Center provides a noninvasive medical exam. During the exam, evidence is collected, the child is tested for sexually-transmitted diseases, and the child is assured that he or she will heal physically.
