CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER AGENCY PROJECT

By Kimberly Yard

AGENCY PROJECT

I asked my supervisor for ideas for an agency project and she suggested a caregiver support group for caregivers of children and teens who have been sexually abused.

SUPPORT GROUP FOR NON-OFFENDING CAREGIVERS

Gathered a list of names and addresses from NCAtrak (database) of non-offending caregivers. Criteria for the list was a caregiver who brought their child in for a forensic interview this year, in which the interview results were either inconclusive or that they did disclose sexual abuse.

I reviewed each case to ensure that the notes reflected that the caregiver was supportive of the child and excluded statutory rape. Any cases that did not have notes were discussed with my supervisor to ensure that selected participants were appropriate.

I called each caregiver and asked them which night they preferred and if they were interested.

SUPPORT GROUP FOR NON-OFFENDING CAREGIVERS CONTINUED…

I sat down with my supervisor and we chose a date to hold the group. The first group will be held on 11/14. She also wanted to plan on a Holiday party in December.

All interested caregivers and caregivers I could not reach received a letter that I composed announcing the support group, the dates of the first two, and a request for RSVPs.

I created fliers to display in the family rooms and made copies of the letter to give to new families.

We talked with the volunteer coordinator about getting volunteers to do child care during the meetings.

SUPPORT GROUP FOR NON-OFFENDING CAREGIVERS CONTINUED…

I created numerous forms for the support group, including sign in sheets, contact information, child information, and guidelines for participation. I made a binder with the materials.

Prepared materials and agenda for the first group session. I searched for and printed articles to be given during the support group

Receive RSVPs for a head count Will hold the first support group on 11/14/13 Will help plan the next meeting

LETTER TO CAREGIVERS

Dear Caregiver,

We would personally like to invite you to a support group for caregivers of children or adolescents who have been sexually abused. The meetings will take place monthly, on the second Thursday of the month, and will last approximately two hours. You are not obligated to attend every month. Pizza and drinks will be provided and childcare will be provided on site.

Our first meeting will be November 14th at 6 PM. The agenda for this meeting will be to offer you a chance to meet and get to know other caregivers of children who have been sexually abused. We are also looking for feedback from you, the caregiver, as to what you want to see at future support group meetings. Meetings will be held in the conference room at our office, 222 Rowan Street.

We are planning a holiday party for families on December 12th at 6PM.

Please call or email to make a reservation by November 8th for the November meeting and December 6th for the holiday party so we can ensure enough food and child care staff are available, 910-486-9700 or cacadvocate@childadvocacycenter.com.

We hope to see you soon!

Sharon Koonce and Kimberly Yard

Victim Advocate and Social Work Intern

Child Advocacy Center

CHILD INFORMATION FORM

Child Information

Child’s Name: _______________________________ Today’s Date:_____________________ Date of Birth: _______________________________________ Age:___________ Caregiver Name: _____________________________________ Food Allergies: ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Special Needs/ Medical Conditions (diabetes, asthma, etc.): ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ If the child is disruptive to the group, the caregiver will need to leave the adult group to tend to

the child.

Caregiver Signature: __________________________________ Date: _____________

SUPPORT GROUP GUIDELINES

Support Group Guidelines

Confidentiality: Nothing said in this room will leave this room, nor will people be pressed to share more information than they are comfortable with here or after the meeting. “What is said here – stays here.” Although complete confidentiality is our policy it cannot be guaranteed so please share your personal information with discretion. Three situations confidentiality will not be upheld:

1. You or your child is at risk for harming themselves or others. 2. There is a suspicion of child abuse or neglect. 3. Information or records are subpoenaed by the court/legal system.

“I” Statements: Avoid using “you” or “we” as one can only speak for oneself. Time-Limited Sharing: No one person is allowed to monopolize the conversation. Limit your sharing to a few minutes allowing everyone in the group to share once before you share again. Respect: Feelings are neither right nor wrong. They are normal. We accept one another unconditionally. No shaming, blaming, or judging. We each speak from our own experiences, and respect the experiences of others. No gossip between members. One Speaker at a Time: We are considerate of the group and do not have side discussions. Each person’s remarks are important to the whole group. Questions: Group members have the right to ask questions and the right to refuse to answer. Sharing is encouraged but not required. Time: The meeting will begin and end on time. By signing below, I agree to the above guidelines as a condition of participation in the support group. _________________________ __________________________ Caregiver Name Caregiver Signature ______________________ Date

SUPPORT GROUP CONTACT INFORMATION FORM

Support Group Contact Information Form

Caregiver Name __________________________________ Caregiver Name ___________________________________

Marital Status ___________________________________ Marital Status _____________________________ __________

Check if address is same Check if address is same

Address __________________________________________ Address _________________________________________

__________________________________________ _________________________________________

Home # __________________________________________ Home # _______________________________________________

Cell # ____________________________________________ Cell # __________________________________________________

Email _____________________________________________ Email _________________________________________________

SUPPORT GROUP FLIER

SUPPORT GROUP BINDER

Agendas Sign in sheets Community Resources Blank contact information sheets Completed contact information sheets Blank participation guidelines Signed participation guidelines Articles of interest

CHILD CARE BINDER

Completed child information forms Blank child information forms Sign in sheets Incident report forms Completed incident report forms Policies and procedures for child care

staff

SUPPORT GROUP BINDERS

INSIDE THE BINDERS