Therapy Program

Safe Shores—The DC Children’s Advocacy Center (DCCAC) believes that child victims of sexual and physical abuse need comprehensive evaluation and treatment, and that these vital specialized services should be accessible regardless of ability to pay. The Therapy Program provides assessment, treatment, and referral services for child victims. The therapist can also provide clinical insight to caretakers and professionals as well as community resource information.

Who Does the Therapy Program Serve?

Children/Adolescents (ages 4-17)

A child therapist will meet with a child for six to eight sessions to assess the impact of the abuse on the child and provide treatment recommendations, which may include additional sessions with the therapist. A variety of expressive therapy modalities (i.e. play, art) are used to create a safe, supportive treatment environment. Additionally, ongoing services such as long-term therapy, psychological evaluation, crisis intervention and pre-trail support may be provided. Referrals to community providers may also be offered/

Parents/Caretakers

It is normal for parents/caretakers to feel shocked and overwhelmed when confronting a child’s abuse. They sometimes wonder how to approach the subject of sexual abuse with a child, or how to deal with repercussions for the family. A DCCAC therapist will explain to caregivers the emotional and behavioral dynamics associated with the child’s abuse experience and develop a long-term plan for the child. In addition, the therapist can provide resource information for adults, younger children, and other family members who need further support.

How Can the Therapy Program Assist the MDT Members?

Safe Shores’ therapy staff regularly consults with detectives, prosecutors, and social service workers about interviews and cases. These discussions may include information about a child’s developmental stage, response to trauma, or the disclosure process. In addition, a therapist is often available to meet with caretakers during interviews to assess family functioning, provide support, and obtain corroborative information. A therapist can provide a critical link between investigation and prosecution by filling service gaps that often occur when working with children and families.

How Can Therapy Program Services Be Accessed?

Caregivers and Team Members are welcome to call the therapist for information or to make a referral. The telephone number is (202) 638-2575.

The following information is needed for a referral:

• Child’s name, date of birth, and social security number
• Caregiver’s name and telephone number
• Name of person making referral (and agency, if applicable)
• Reason for referral
• Brief description of situation

All steps of the therapy process will be thoroughly discussed with the child, the caregiver, and the person making the referral. Once a referral is made, the therapist will set-up an initial meeting with the child and caregiver, at which time the caregiver will sign consent for services, client rights, and release of information forms.

Therapy services are offered free of charge at the DCCAC, 300 E Street, NW, 20001, located within ½ block of the Judiciary Square Station (Courthouse/4th Street exit) on the Red Line of the Metrorail.

The Importance of Prevention

We must all acknowledge the problem of sexual abuse and work together to create safe communities for children. Children should be given tools of prevention including age-appropriate information about child abuse, a desire to protect themselves, and the power to tell the truth to adults. Communication between adults and children is crucial—both to give and to receive important information. Children need accurate terms for sex and genitalia so they have a basic vocabulary to describe their experiences. They also need to understand their body parts are special so they will have a reason to protect them. Try to avoid scare tactics or words like “bad” when talking to children about sexuality. These approaches may encourage guilt and secrecy, conditions where abuse can thrive, and can hinder healthy sexual development. Prevention efforts should reinforce positive affection and attention while encouraging child competence.

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