"There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children."

- Nelson Mandela, Former President of South Africa

About CPC
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 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 an 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.

Families in Transition

We offer a parenting class, Families in Transition, designed to give parents tools
and resources to face the many challenges
​of co-parenting.

Body Safety

An important abuse prevention program we offer to Ross County schools is the Body Safety program. This program is designed into age-appropriate levels which teach how to keep their bodies safe.

Supervised Visitation

The Supervised Visitation program was created in 1999 to provide a safe, neutral, friendly environment where interactions between non-custodial parents and children can be monitored. Visits are scheduled upon referral from the Common Pleas judges, both juvenile and criminal divisions.

    To register for FAMILIES IN TRANSITION classes, complete the form below.

    Note: You cannot register for Body Safety Classes or Supervised Visitation in this forum. To inquire about Body Safety or Supervised Visitation, please call (740) 779-7431.

The Child Protection Center is United Way Partner Agency
Participating Members: Ross County Children’s Services, Adena Health System, Scioto-Paint Valley Mental Health Center, Ross County Prosecutors Office, ​
​Integrated Services of Appalachia Ohio, Ross County Sheriff’s Department, Chillicothe Police Department.
Child Protection Center provides  services to the public and is funded by grants including United Way, Victims Of Crime Act and Children's Trust Fund.
We serve federal crime victims
Supported in part as a Community Benefit of Adena Health System
Your donation goes directly to the education to prevent children from being abused with our Body Safety class and Stewards program, medical costs associated with examining each child, counseling to help the children and their families and to help create a safe, child-friendly environment.