Currently in York County, an abused child (birth to 18 years) may be subjected to five or more forensic interviews in various agency settings during the medical examination and information gathering process.
The child may be taken to the hospital or doctor's office, the police department, a social worker or attorney's office.
Imagine the child's overwhelming feelings of fear and anxiety as he or she shuttles between agencies, surrounded by adults inquiring about the traumatic event details. During each interview, the victim recalls the episode(s), vividly reliving the pain and confusion surrounding their experience. While the information and data gathered is necessary for the case, the current system further victimizes the child and potentially corrupts the information needed for prosecution.
Now imagine a child-friendly, safe house, where the child feels secure in a non-threatening environment. A house where the child only has to go through one physical exam (if necessary) and one interview.
That house is located at 28 South Queen Street in York.
