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The mission of the Baltimore Child Abuse Center is to provide all reported victims of child sexual abuse in Baltimore City, and their non-offending caretakers, with comprehensive interview, medical treatment, referral, and/or crisis counseling services.
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4 comments:
My first month had been an eye opener for me. During my down time I have been reviewing cases on Lotus. I have been amazed by just how many of the offenders are juveniles themselves. From working at my current job where we have a juvenile sex offender program, I know that the majority of juvenile sex offenders are themselves victims of abuse as well. I question, what if anything, we are doing for victims who are also offenders. I know that we have discussed the difficulties in interviewing offenders due to police protocols, but I feel that many of these juvenile offenders, rather than being arrested and placed in detention, should be referred for treatment and rehabilitation.
I think BCAC does referr juvenile offenders, though I am unsure of if there is a cut-off age. As for my first month here I have noticed it seems really busy or really slow. Either way it does seem like there is always work to be found. My first couple of weeks I was a little overwhelmed by how things are documented and put into lotus notes. I am feeling better about it now though I would not call myself proficient. I also enjoyed taking part/observing the different agencies we work with including the police, forensic medical examers, and entertaining the children in the waiting room. I am also feel like I now have a better understanding of what being a family advocate constitutes, though I would still really like to observe the process.
Thanks so much for responding to the blog about your first month's experience. It helps me in deciding the best way to proceed with each of you in the process of educational growth.
As far as juvenile offenders, after the alleged offender has completed the process with the police many times we will bring the alleged offender in to be interviewed to see if they themselves were abused. The offical cutoff age for BCAC is 17 years old. However, we will make exceptions under different circumstances but we try to adhere to the 17 year old age limit as much as possilbe.
I really enjoy my experience here at BCAC. The staff is friendly and makes me feel welcome. In reviewing cases and sitting in on interviews I'm amazed by the amount of sibling sexual abuse. The need of BCAC is much needed in Baltimore City. Families need to be careful of who and what you have your child exposed too.
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