Frequently Asked Questions about Stepping Stones for Community Members
What is Stepping Stones?
Stepping Stones serves children who are reported to be victims of maltreatment. It provides a community response to abuse reports by coordinating a multidisciplinary team including representatives from law enforcement, child protective services, prosecution, medical and mental health professionals and victim services. It strives to preserve the dignity and spirit of the child by assisting, supporting and educating families and community about child abuse.
How is Stepping Stones funded?
Stepping Stones is funded through an array of resources including grants and private contributions. Current funding partners include the La Crosse District Attorney's office, the National Children's Alliance and Children's Miracle Network (Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation). The primary funding source is private donations.
Is there a charge to use Stepping Stones?
No. Services offered at Stepping Stones are free to families. However, families must get referred to the center to utilize services.
How do families get referred to Stepping Stones?
After an abuse report is made, child protective services or law enforcement will decide whether or not a forensic interview is needed for the investigation. A representative from one of these entities must refer a family to Stepping Stones for services.
How many children has Stepping Stones served?
Stepping Stones has interviewed nearly 1,000 kids since opening in November of 2005. On average, Stepping Stones will interview 150-200 children or vulnerable adults each year.
Why are Children's Advocacy Center investigations better than traditional investigations?
Because the center coordinates a collaborative response between all of the entities involved in responding to an abuse report, taxpayer dollars are saved in the elimination of duplication of services. Children's Advocacy Center services also aid in the prevention of more costly services later on for child victims with support from a Family Advocate. This method also increased prosecution rates, which means offenders are removed from the community or treated to prevent the occurance of continued abuse.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Stepping Stones for Victims
What will happen at Stepping Stones?
You and your child will first meet with the professional who will conduct the interview. This person has received special training on how to interview children.
You will then meet with a Family Advocate while your child is interviewed (the parent/caregiver is not to observe or be with the child during the interview). The interview usually exceeds an hour, so be prepared to spend about two hours at Stepping Stones.
When the interview is complete, a team member will speak with you and the Family Advocate. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and provide necessary information at this time.
How should we prepare for our visit to Stepping Stones?
Please do not question your child about the incident prior to the Stepping Stones interview. Children get tired of answering lots of questions. Make sure your child is well rested and fed prior to arrival.
Encourage your child to tell the truth and give him/her permission to speak openly with the interviewer.
What happens to the videotape?
The videotape is part of a police investigation. When the interview is complete, the videotape and any drawings that are made during the process are retained by law enforcement and become evidence.
Who can I talk to?
It is common for both you and your child to have strong feelings about abuse or neglect. Your Family Advocate at Stepping Stones can help you find someone to talk with about your concerns.
It is important that you be a good listener for your child. If you are angry about the situation, let your child know that you are not angry with him or her.
Children often have a hard time talking with parents about their concerns and may more readily speak to other people. This is normal and does not reflect on your relationship with your child.
If you have concerns while at Stepping Stones, please let your Family Advocate know.
Frequently Asked Questions about Stepping Stones for Community Members
What is Stepping Stones?
Stepping Stones serves children who are reported to be victims of maltreatment. It provides a community response to abuse reports by coordinating a multidisciplinary team including representatives from law enforcement, child protective services, prosecution, medical and mental health professionals and victim services. It strives to preserve the dignity and spirit of the child by assisting, supporting and educating families and community about child abuse.
How is Stepping Stones funded?
Stepping Stones is funded through an array of resources including grants and private contributions. Current funding partners include the La Crosse District Attorney's office, the National Children's Alliance and Children's Miracle Network (Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation). The primary funding source is private donations.
Is there a charge to use Stepping Stones?
No. Services offered at Stepping Stones are free to families. However, families must get referred to the center to utilize services.
How do families get referred to Stepping Stones?
After an abuse report is made, child protective services or law enforcement will decide whether or not a forensic interview is needed for the investigation. A representative from one of these entities must refer a family to Stepping Stones for services.
How many children has Stepping Stones served?
Stepping Stones has interviewed nearly 1,000 kids since opening in November of 2005. On average, Stepping Stones will interview 150-200 children or vulnerable adults each year.
Why are Children's Advocacy Center investigations better than traditional investigations?
Because the center coordinates a collaborative response between all of the entities involved in responding to an abuse report, taxpayer dollars are saved in the elimination of duplication of services. Children's Advocacy Center services also aid in the prevention of more costly services later on for child victims with support from a Family Advocate. This method also increased prosecution rates, which means offenders are removed from the community or treated to prevent the occurance of continued abuse.
.W
Frequently Asked Questions about Stepping Stones for Victims
What will happen at Stepping Stones?
You and your child will first meet with the professional who will conduct the interview. This person has received special training on how to interview children.
You will then meet with a Family Advocate while your child is interviewed (the parent/caregiver is not to observe or be with the child during the interview). The interview usually exceeds an hour, so be prepared to spend about two hours at Stepping Stones.
When the interview is complete, a team member will speak with you and the Family Advocate. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and provide necessary information at this time.
How should we prepare for our visit to Stepping Stones?
Please do not question your child about the incident prior to the Stepping Stones interview. Children get tired of answering lots of questions. Make sure your child is well rested and fed prior to arrival.
Encourage your child to tell the truth and give him/her permission to speak openly with the interviewer.
What happens to the videotape?
The videotape is part of a police investigation. When the interview is complete, the videotape and any drawings that are made during the process are retained by law enforcement and become evidence.
Who can I talk to?
It is common for both you and your child to have strong feelings about abuse or neglect. Your Family Advocate at Stepping Stones can help you find someone to talk with about your concerns.
It is important that you be a good listener for your child. If you are angry about the situation, let your child know that you are not angry with him or her.
Children often have a hard time talking with parents about their concerns and may more readily speak to other people. This is normal and does not reflect on your relationship with your child.
If you have concerns while at Stepping Stones, please let your Family Advocate know.