How Does The Child Protection Center Make A Difference?
CPC Brochure
In Ross County, there had been a lack of local services and large gaps in the services that were available for children  in Ross and surrounding who had been sexually abused.  So, in 1995 the Child Protection Center was formed to ensure that Ross County and surrounding county children who had been sexually or physically abused received appropriate attention in a timely and family-friendly manner without regard for their ability to pay. 

The Center utilizes a multi-disciplinary, multi-agency approach to care and meets the strict standards of a Children’s Advocacy Center set by the National Children’s Alliance. The clinic opened its doors in 1996 and became incorporated and tax exempt as a non-profit organization in October 1997.  Since then, we have seen hundreds of children and families in the clinic for child abuse assessments.

A typical assessment includes a forensic interview and a physical examination.  Closed circuit TV is used during the interview with the child so that members of the team can observe the interview without distracting the child.   

The physical exam consists of a complete head to toe examination. The physician utilizes specialized equipment that is non-invasive to document any evidence of abuse.

The child therapist is available at the visit to talk with the child and caretaker.  Families are more likely to continue with therapy when the therapeutic relationship has started at the clinic.  At the visit, the therapist supports the caretaker as well as the child. 

An important prevention program that we offer to Ross County Schools is a Body Safety presentation.  The presentation utilizes a puppet to teach children how to keep their bodies safe.   We also offer Parenting Classes which are designed to provide families information and support in a fun fashion.

A Supervised Visitation/Exchange Program was started at the Child Protection Center in 1999.   The Supervised Visitation/Exchange program was created to provide a safe, neutral and friendly surrounding where interactions between non-custodial parents and children can be monitored.  The visits and exchanges are scheduled upon referral from the Common Pleas Judges, both Juvenile and Criminal divisions.