As caregivers to children, we are obligated to our children to protect them from abuse by reporting suspicions of abuse of our children to the authorities.
The Cottage works with children who live in Athens-Clarke County when there is an allegation of abuse. The Cottage staff and volunteers are mandated reporters. A mandated reporter is a person who, when they have reasonable cause to suspect child abuse or neglect, must report it. Mandated reporting is the early recognition of child maltreatment with the goal of preventing further abuse from occurring. Mandated reporters are people who in their professional role interact with children where they might disclose or exhibit signs of abuse. See a list of all mandatory reporters.
Services are available to individuals who live in and/or were assaulted in Athens-Clarke county in the state of Georgia. The Cottage will assist survivors outside of these jurisdictions with finding local resources for their areas.
Process for a child abuse investigation
DFCS and/or Law Enforcement may request that the caregiver and child/children come to the Family Protection Center begin the investigation process.
Before the scheduled Forensic Interview, a Family Advocate from The Cottage will reach out to the caregiver (via telephone) to explain the process and answer any questions you may have.
At the Family Protection Center, the caregiver will meet with a Family Advocate from The Cottage that will be able to answer your questions and provide you information along with resources when there has been an allegation of child abuse.
After introductions with the Family Advocate, Forensic Interviewer and Child Advocate from The Cottage are complete, the child/children will be supervised by a Child Advocate from The Cottage that will stay with your child in a child-friendly waiting room. Your child will be able to play games, color or just hang out with the Child Advocate while you speak with the Family Advocate alone. The Child Advocate will be there to explain the process to your child.
Once the caregiver gives written consent, the Forensic Interviewer from The Cottage will speak with your child alone. This conversation will be recorded and that recording will be protected by confidentiality. Your child will be interviewed in a developmentally appropriate manner by a specially trained Forensic Interviewer. If at any time, your child becomes distressed the interviewer will stop the interview. DFCS and/or Law Enforcement will observe the interview to gather information for their investigation.
Once the interview is concluded, The Cottage Family Advocate, Forensic Interviewer, DFCS investigator and/or Law Enforcement detective will provide the caregiver with information on how the forensic interview and what will happen next.
The Family Advocate will continuously provide support to the caregiver during this process.
There may be a request or need for a forensic medical exam. If so, the Family Advocate will discuss this option with the caregiver and you will have the opportunity to meet with the nurse prior to the exam with your child.
After this process, the Family Advocate will reach out to the caregiver (via email or telephone) to offer additional support and resources which will most likely include therapy and support groups for the caregiver and your child/children.
Room at the Family Protection Center where children and teens are forensically interviewed by Cottage staff.
Room at the Family Protection Center where children wait when receiving services with The Cottage.
