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Child Advocacy Center Services

Melody of Hope Advocacy Center is a non-profit organization that was created to provide comprehensive treatment for abused and maltreated children. Melody of Hope uses evidence-based, best practices to provide a physically and emotionally safe environment for the children and families that we serve.

Melody of Hope Advocacy Center is a member of a multidisciplinary team composed of child protective services, law enforcement, county attorneys, and victim advocates. This team works together to provide a coordinated response to child abuse to cause the least possible trauma to the victim and their families.

Currently, Melody of Hope Advocacy Center offers medical record review, hair sampling collection, forensic interview and interview documentation, courtroom testimony, in-depth psycho-social assessment of children and families, and child advocate services, including resources and referrals to local services to improve the quality of the child and family life.

You can find additional information about specific Child Advocacy Center Services below.

Forensic Interview

Image by Kristina Flour

Forensic Interviews are a non-leading, developmentally sensitive method of gathering information from children. Interviews are recorded statements conducted by a specially trained, unbiased professional in a legally defensible manner.

Click here for What to Expect at a Forensic Interview.

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions about Forensic Interviews,

Medical Evaluations

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A medical evaluation is performed on-site in a child-friendly, non-threatening environment. This helps minimize the child's discomfort and fear during the exam. A medical evaluation is offered to any child who has allegations or concerns of abuse. Most importantly, the medical evaluation is performed to reassure the child and family that his/her body is okay.

Click here for What to Expect at a Medical Evaluation.

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions about Medical Evaluations.

Child and Family Advocacy

Meeting

The success of a child's recovery is a multi-faceted journey that requires healing in complex ways. Advocates are committed to guiding and educating families through each step of the investigation, prosecution, and healing process. Our team strives to lay the groundwork for this success by advocating however needed along with way until the journey is complete.

Click here for information about How to Help your Child

Member of Multidisciplinary Team

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Melody of Hope participates in the Scott County and the North East Iowa Multidisciplinary team (MDT). MDTs are designed to promote a coordinated response to the investigation of situations involving children when allegations of abuse or maltreatment are raised.

Click here for additional information about the MDT Model

Hair Collection & Sampling

Image by Motoki Tonn

Hair testing has come to be seen as a powerful tool for the detection of drug and alcohol abuse. Hair can provide a history of drug and alcohol exposure and consumption in children in cases of abuse and neglect.

Therapy Referrals

Child therapy

Quality Mental health services are critical for the long-term well-being and healing of children victimized by abuse. Specialty trauma-focused mental health services are routinely made available as part of Melody of Hope's referral support service process.

Available Resources - Coming Soon.

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