KAY'S COTTAGE
What is Kay's Cottage, Armstrong County's Child Advocacy Center?
Kay's Cottage is a program under HAVIN (Helping All Victims in Need), Armstrong County's Violence/Sexual Assault Center, a 501c3, private non-profit established in 1979. Kay's Cottage is the only Child Advocacy Center (CAC) utilizing this model in Pennsylvania and it is a great fit for services in our small, rural county.
Forensic Interview - only those with NCA approved training, nationally certified to conduct forensic interviews talk with the alleged victims. Forensic interviews are trauma sensitive and are a research-based practice. Only investigators and prosecutors are permitted to observe the forensic interview.
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Victim Advocate - an advocate from HAVIN meets with the family and shows them Kay's Cottage. They support them during the interview and provide comprehensive direct services to the alleged victims and their non-offending family/caregiver throughout the process.
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Referrals to Mental Health Services - alleged victims who disclose a history of trauma/abuse are referred to trauma-certified mental health practitioners.
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Coordination of Medical Exams - Kay's Cottage staff coordinates all medical exams with an expert in the field of child abuse through A Child's Place in Pittsburgh.
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MDIT (multi-disciplinary investigative team) - The District Attorney overseas the cases presented at our monthly MDIT meeting which is coordinated by Kay's Cottage. These meetings are a critical step in the CAC interventions, they help ensure everyone is informed and the alleged victims' needs are met.
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