The Butterfly House assists children in their journey through suspected child maltreatment. Forensic interviews and physical examinations help members of the multidisciplinary team share information to decrease the trauma of the child. In addition, counseling and services are arranged to enable the child and family to effectively process issues related to the reported abuse. For more information, call (704) 984-4625.
A team of representatives from the medical community, social services, law enforcement, court system, mental health and school system identified it as a critical need for children in our area. In state fiscal year 2003 to 2004, there were 223 cases of substantiated child abuse and neglect in Stanly County alone—nearly double the 122 cases from 1996 to 1997.
The Butterfly House receives referrals for forensic interviews and certified medical exams from the Department of Social Services, law enforcement, and physicians.
The multidisciplinary team includes members of law enforcement from the various entities within Stanly County, Child Protective Services from the Department of Social Services, local mental health providers, the District Attorney’s Office, physicians and physician extenders, and the Butterfly House Program Coordinator/Forensic Interviewer, and the victim advocate.
A major focus during the initial interactions with the child is to conduct the evaluation in a pleasant, nonintimidating environment. A child with suspected abuse is interviewed by a pediatric sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) trained to conduct forensic interviews. The interview is videotaped and can be observed through a closed-circuit television system by members of the multi-disciplinary team involved in the case—thereby saving the child from repeating embarrassing details over and over. The child is examined and treated by pediatricians who are certified medical examiners. The pediatricians are assisted by a sexual assault nurse evaluator (SANE) nurse who is trained in the collection of forensic evidence.
The Stanly Regional Medical Center Child Advocacy Center also provides a victim advocate, who is a social worker. The victim advocate assesses the psycho-social needs of the child, as well as the family and makes appropriate referrals for follow-up services. Often the services arranged include counseling to enable the child and family to effectively process issues related to the alleged abuse. The victim advocate also helps the child and family become familiar with the judicial process so they know what to expect as the case proceeds.
The need is great. Effective child maltreatment prevention and treatment must be woven into the fabric of our communities—a job made easier with the addition of the Butterfly House.
Learn more about our Butterfly House program here.
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