Care Cottage
Kentucky River Children's Advocacy Center
What happens at the Care Cottage
If your child has been referred to the Care Cottage, you may have questions about what will happen when you arrive. The process can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to figure it out on your own. Care Cottage staff will explain each step and help you understand what to expect.
Forensic Interview: How to prepare your child
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Tell your child they are going to talk with someone at the Care Cottage.
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Let them know they can tell the truth and answer questions in their own words.
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Reassure them that they are not in trouble.
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Avoid questioning your child about what happened before the interview.
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Do not coach your child on what to say or practice answers with them.
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If your child has already told you something, listen and provide support, but allow the trained interviewer to ask the detailed questions.
You do not need to prepare your child by having them tell you the details of what happened. In fact, allowing the interviewer to ask those questions helps protect the integrity of the interview.
Forensic Medical Exam: How to prepare your child
A medical exam may be recommended even when an assault happened some time ago. In many cases of child sexual abuse, there are no physical signs of abuse. A normal exam does not mean that abuse did not happen.
How you can prepare your child:
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Explain that a doctor will check to make sure their body is healthy and safe.
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Use simple, age-appropriate language.
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Avoid telling your child what the doctor will find or what they should say.
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Allow your child to ask questions.
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Bring any medications your child takes or important medical information that may be needed.
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Follow any specific instructions provided by Care Cottage staff when the appointment is scheduled.
The medical provider will explain the examination to you and your child and answer questions before beginning.
What the parent/caregiver should know
Your role is to support your child. You do not need to investigate the situation yourself or get all of the answers before coming to the Care Cottage.
Before your child's appointment:
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Write down any questions you have for the Care Cottage staff.
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Bring information about your child's medical history or medications.
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Follow any instructions provided when the appointment is scheduled.
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Avoid repeatedly asking your child about the reported abuse.
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Do not discuss what your child should say during the interview.
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Let your child know they are not in trouble and that they can talk honestly with the interviewer and medical provider.
Most importantly, believe your child, stay calm, and let the professionals handle the investigation. You can support your child without trying to determine what happened yourself.
What is the purpose of the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT)
The Care Cottage uses a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach. This means that the professionals involved in the case work together rather than each agency handling the case separately.
The MDT may include law enforcement, CHFS, prosecutors, medical professionals, mental health professionals, and victim advocates. Team members bring different areas of expertise to the case and work together to address the child's safety, medical needs, emotional well-being, and the investigation.
The MDT process helps reduce the number of times a child has to repeat what happened and allows the professionals involved to coordinate their response. The Care Cottage provides a central location where many of these services can be coordinated in a safe and supportive setting.
What happens after my child's first visit
The Care Cottage can help connect children and families with additional services they may need following the interview or medical exam. This may include victim advocacy, mental health services, referrals to trauma-trained therapists, and other community resources.
Services provided through the Care Cottage are focused on the safety and well-being of the child and are provided at no cost to the child's family.
If you have questions about what to expect or what your child needs before an appointment, contact the Care Cottage at 606-487-9173.