Programs of the Children’s Alliance

Forensic Interviewing

The Children's Alliance provides a child-friendly facility with playrooms, conference rooms, and child-sized interview areas where the child and his/her family can feel comfortable meeting with the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) of dedicated professionals. The investigation process includes information sharing among the professionals, an interview with the non-offending caretaker, the child interview, and then debriefing among the professionals and with the caretaker.

A highly trained Alliance staff member, a child interview specialist, usually interviews the child with the other professionals observing through a one-way mirror. At times, other team members participate in conducting the interview. The interviewer, without using leading questions or pressuring the child, is able to establish rapport and elicit critical information about the allegations, while being sensitive to the child’s mental health needs. Interviewing children is both an art and a science, using interview guidelines developed by the MDT, as well as relying on forensics, child development training and experience the interviewer has acquired through years of education and practice.All interviews are video recorded to document the facts of the case.

Victim Services

The Alliance supports families through its Victim Services Program. We prefer to think of our children and their caretakers as heroes, not victims, so this “title” is used only for communication purposes. These services include Crisis Counseling, Education and Information Support Groups for parents and caretakers, as well as Self-esteem Groups, focusing on arts and crafts, for the children. The groups take place one evening a week during several ten-week sessions throughout the year.

The Victim Services staff contribute information about the criminal justice and healthcare systems, conduct “Court School,” provide court accompaniment to families as requested, and give assistance in filing crime victim compensation claims. They also track cases and make referrals for medical services and mental health counseling and therapy.

The Alliance maintains a resource library for caregivers who would like more information on the subject of child sexual abuse and its effects on children and their families. The library also includes printed information and brochures of Philadelphia-based agencies providing services to children and families. Caregivers may contact the Victim Services Manager at any time for support and information.

For more information on Victim Services Resources available to the public, please see Resources.

Case Tracking

The Alliance reviews and tracks cases of child sexual abuse to assure excellent, uninterrupted service to clients. Every active case is reviewed at regular meetings where representatives of all partner agencies come together to exchange information and make recommendations for the best outcome for each child, as well as to discuss prosecution of perpetrators whenever possible. The programs and activities of the Alliance are targeted to all victims of child sexual abuse in Philadelphia, and cases are referred directly to the Alliance from DHS or the police.

Partner Support and Training
Mutual support is the key ingredient that builds an effective team response to children in need. The professionals involved in Alliance investigations and follow-up services support each other in many ways, first and foremost by being there, by agreeing to be part of a team process. Research and experience have shown time and time again that a multi-agency team response is the best way to address child sexual abuse. The monthly MDT meetings work in conjunction with team interview processes to bring all the professionals together to cooperate in case discussions and continuing service.

In conjunction with other Child Advocacy Centers around the country, the Philadelphia Children’s Alliance participates in video-conferencing training and peer review twice a month. One session is devoted to forensic interviewing peer review as professionals from the Alliance, police, DHS and the medical community review forensic interviews conducted at other sites. The second video-conference brings leaders of various CAC’s and MDT’s together for discussion of issues related to selected cases.

The Alliance contributes to high team standards by facilitating training on various topics throughout the year, bringing experts on child sexual abuse together with team partners, conducting team-building training, and providing a wide array of specialized training to everyone from newly hired personnel to the most experienced partners.