Safe Child Center at Flagstaff Medical Center recognized as vital resource to child abuse victims

FLAGSTAFF-The Safe Child Center at Flagstaff Medical Center (FMC) was recently accredited by the National Children's Alliance (NCA) as a provider of comprehensive care for child victims of suspected domestic and/or sexual abuse. The Safe Child Center joins a nationwide network of accredited Children's Advocacy Centers, each committed to providing medical, emotional, investigative and victim advocacy services within a child-sensitive environment.

"Child abuse is a very serious crime, and can have serious negative long-term health and social consequences for the victim," said Diana Holt, Safe Child pediatric nurse practitioner. "From July, 2005 to June, 2006, the Safe Child Center helped 350 children. These services give abused and neglected children a voice."

The Safe Child Center is located within FMC's Children's Health Center, and has been helping child victims of alleged abuse throughout northern Arizona since 1994. The program serves children from birth to age 18, as well as developmentally disabled adults.

The Safe Child Center is dedicated to reducing the stress that children experience as victims of crime and to supporting the efforts of law enforcement and child protection to ensure that child victims are treated with respect and dignity throughout the investigation process.

To achieve NCA accreditation, high standards of multidisciplinary care must be met. Criteria for accreditation include a child-friendly/child-appropriate facility; cultural competency and diversity; and a multidisciplinary team approach encompassing law enforcement, child protective services and prosecution; as well as mental health, medical care and victim advocacy representation.

In addition, accredited Children's Advocacy Centers must conduct forensic interviews, medical evaluations and case reviews in accordance with NCA standardized methods to ensure consistency and accuracy.

"Adherence to a standardized system of care is crucial," Holt said. "This ensures children will receive the same level and scope of services, and the same breadth and depth of expertise at any NCA accredited site across the nation."

For more information about the Safe Child Center at FMC visit the Flagstaff Medical Center's website at www.flagstaffmedicalcenter.com. For information about the National Children's Alliance visit www.NCA-online.org.

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