In the complex realm of child abuse cases, providing both compassionate support and unwavering justice is paramount. As your Navajo County Attorney, I am deeply committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of child abuse victims in our community. As we celebrate the success of the 11th annual “Putting It On the Tee for the FAC” benefit golf tournament, I am thrilled to shed light on the vital role and purpose of the Navajo County Family Advocacy Center – a haven where children find solace, justice prevails, and hope is nurtured.
A Haven for Healing. The Navajo County Family Advocacy Center (FAC) is a specialized facility designed to create a safe and child-friendly environment for child abuse victims. Here, children are offered a space where they can share their experiences, emotions, and fears in a secure and supportive setting. The center is staffed with dedicated professionals who understand the unique needs of child abuse survivors and work tirelessly to ensure their well-being.
A Unified Approach. What sets the FAC apart is its collaborative and multidisciplinary approach. At the FAC, professionals from various fields – such as law enforcement, child protective services, medical professionals, mental health experts, and victim advocates – join forces to provide comprehensive services to child abuse victims and their families. This unified approach ensures that children receive all the necessary support and care they need under one roof.
Forensic Interviews: Giving a Voice to the Silent. One of the cornerstones of the FAC is the forensic interview. Conducted by specially trained professionals, this interview allows the child to share their experience in a controlled and sensitive environment. These interviews are tailored to the child's age and developmental stage, minimizing the trauma they may otherwise face during traditional investigative interviews. The interviews are structured to glean all of the information needed by various interests to support the investigation and prosecution of a crime that was committed against a child. The interviewer is able to garner important details for law enforcement, prosecuting attorneys, the court, and victim and child advocates in a single session, using language and interviewing techniques that help children feel safe and comforted, and eliminating the need for multiple interviews with multiple strangers, which could retraumatize the child with repeated recitations of the acts taken against them.
Medical Examinations: Prioritizing Well-Being. The Navajo County Family Advocacy Center also offers medical examinations performed by qualified medical professionals who prioritize the child's physical and emotional well-being. These examinations are conducted with utmost care, aiming to obtain critical evidence while ensuring that the child's comfort and safety are maintained.
Counseling and Support: Nurturing Healing. Healing is a crucial component of the FAC's mission. In addition to investigative services, the center offers counseling and therapy to child abuse victims and their families. These services help survivors process their emotions, build resilience, and embark on a journey toward recovery.
Prevention and Education: Shaping a Safer Future. The Navajo County Family Advocacy Center is not solely focused on addressing cases of abuse. It also plays a pivotal role in child abuse prevention and community education. By raising awareness, providing resources, and offering training to professionals and community members, the FAC contributes to a culture of vigilance, support, and protection.
The Navajo County Family Advocacy Center is more than just a physical space – it is a haven of compassion, justice, and hope. By bringing together a multidisciplinary team, providing specialized services, and fostering an environment where children can find their voice and heal, the FAC creates a lasting impact on the lives of child abuse victims and their families. As your Navajo County Attorney, I am dedicated to supporting and collaborating with the Navajo County Family Advocacy Center to ensure that every child's well-being is valued, protected, and nurtured. Together, we work toward a future where children can thrive, free from the shadows of abuse.