Care Cottage
Kentucky River Children's Advocacy Center
Forensic Interview
A forensic interview is a private, child-centered conversation with a trained interviewer. The interviewer asks questions about what a child may have experienced or witnessed, without leading the child toward a specific answer.
At the Care Cottage, our interviewers are specially trained to talk with children of different ages and developmental levels. The goal is to give the child a safe place to share what happened while providing law enforcement and social service professionals with accurate information.
The interview is recorded and watched by the law enforcement officer and/or social worker assigned to the case from another room. This allows the child to talk about their experience one time instead of having to repeat their story to multiple people.
Forensic Medical Exam
The Care Cottage provides medical exams for children and teens who have reported sexual abuse or inappropriate physical contact. A medical exam can be helpful even if the abuse happened some time ago.
Our medical clinic is staffed by a physician who is specially trained to examine children and teens. A Qualified Mental Health Professional is also available to help assess the child’s emotional well-being.
During the exam, the physician may:
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Check for and treat injuries
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Test for sexually transmitted infections when appropriate
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Assess the child’s physical and emotional well-being
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Recommend additional medical or mental health services if needed
Most children who experience sexual abuse do not have physical signs of abuse. A medical exam can help make sure the child is physically healthy and can give families reassurance that there are no injuries or other medical concerns that need treatment.
Medical exams are available by appointment only. There is no cost to the child or family.
Advocacy
When a child reports sexual abuse, families may experience many different emotions and may not know where to turn for help. The Care Cottage provides support for children and caregivers throughout the investigation process.
A trained advocate is available to listen, answer questions, explain what to expect, and help families find the resources they need. Advocates can provide support with:
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Understanding the investigation process
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Managing the emotions that can come with a child’s disclosure
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Finding counseling and other community resources
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Connecting families with additional services and support
Caregivers can meet with an advocate by appointment or call the Care Cottage at (606) 487-9173 for support and information.
Counseling
The Care Cottage helps connect children and families with therapists who are specially trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and other trauma-based therapies. When counseling is needed, the Care Cottage works to connect families with trained therapists in or near their home county whenever possible, so children can receive appropriate, trauma-focused services without having to travel long distances or leave their communities to find care. Counseling services are provided through community-based providers. The Care Cottage helps families understand their options and connect with the appropriate provider for their child’s needs.
Community Education
The Care Cottage provides free education and training opportunities for community members, professionals, parents, and children. These programs are designed to increase understanding of child abuse, recognize warning signs, learn how to respond to concerns, and promote child safety. Trainings are available for professionals who work with children as well as community groups, schools, churches, parents, and children. The Care Cottage works to provide practical, age-appropriate information that helps adults and children know how to recognize, prevent, and respond to child abuse.
Multidisciplinary Team Investigation
Multidisciplinary Teams are defined in KRS 431.600(1) as:Each investigation of reported or suspected sexual abuse of a child shall be conducted by a specialized multidisciplinary team composed, at a minimum, of law enforcement officers and social workers from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Cabinet for Health and Family Services social workers shall be available to assist in all investigations under this section but shall be lead investigators only in those cases of reported or suspected sexual abuse of a child in which a person exercising custodial control or supervision, as defined in KRS 600.020 is the alleged of suspected perpetrator of the abuse.