Will my child need counseling?

When you visit the CARE Center, the decision will be made by you and the Mental Health Professional whether or not to refer your child and your family to counseling. Experiences such as sexual abuse, physical abuse, and witnessing domestic violence can impact children in a number of ways. The entire family may be affected by these stressful events.

What is the CARE Counseling Program?

The CARE Counseling Program is a secure and safe place to begin the healing process for families and children who have experienced abuse. The therapy takes place in a child friendly environment that has been created to help your child and family overcome the effects of abuse and trauma. The Counseling Program’s experienced staff includes counselors and therapists who are trained to work with children and families where trauma has occurred.

How much does it cost?

There are no out of pocket costs for CARE Counseling services. Costs will be covered through the Oklahoma Crime Victims Compensation Program, or if appropriate, Medicaid or other sources of funding. Referral to NorthCare’s Care Counseling Program and other trauma related sources are funded in part by the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.

The CARE Counseling Program offers many services, Including:

• individual counseling for children and adults
  
• play therapy
  
• family therapy
  
• personal safety group
  
• group counseling for children and adults
  
• psychiatric evaluation and consultation
  
• prevention and education services
  
• referral to home based and community services

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What is Court School?

Court School is a special school designed to help children and parents learn about the court process and the child’s role as a witness.

Why attend Court School?

Court School helps children who will be witnesses in court, and their families, learn about the courtroom and the many people who work there. The courtroom consists of the judge, court clerk, court reporter, bailiff and the attorneys. Testifying in court is often a difficult experience. For some children, it can be very frightening. By learning about court and the people who work there, your child will have a better understanding of what to expect and what is expected of them. Your child will learn that other children have to testify in court also, which helps to normalize their experience. Court School helps to make them feel more relaxed and more confident about themselves and the court experience.

There are:

• take home coloring books about people in court
  
• questions and answers
  
• individual sessions
  
• model courtroom

When is Court School in session?

Court School is available on an as needed basis. Children ages 3-17 are able to attend.

To schedule Court School for your child please contact the Mental Health Professional at the CARE Center at (405) 236-2100 ext. 116.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Phillip Baker
David M. Box
Allyson L. Carson
Barbara Cooper
Gregg Grost
Randy Lewis
Dan Martel
Jean McLaughlin
Becky Roten
Jenifer Stehr
Becky Switzer
Laine West


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Medical Exams

Will my child have to go to the doctor?

Your child may require a medical exam. This is determined by information given to child abuse specialists at Children’s Hospital. If so, Children’s Hospital Social Services will call you to set up an appointment.

Where will I take my child for the exam?

The exam may be conducted at the CARE Center Medical Annex facility or at Children’s Hospital. At the CARE Center Medical Annex, your child will be examined in a special exam room designed to continue the feeling of safety and support that children experience at the CARE Center. If you need transportation assistance, please let Children’s Hospital staff know and a cab will be provided at no charge to you.

What happens during the medical exam?

Your child will be checked from head-to-toe to ensure that they are okay. The medical personnel will also look for signs of abuse on your child’s body. Only medical personnel with special training in child abuse exams will perform the exam. They will work to make your child feel as comfortable as possible.

Can I stay with my child during the medical exam?

You may accompany your child into the exam room during the medical exam if you and the medical professional decide that is what is best for your child. Most young children want their parent(s) in the exam room. However, adolescents may be more comfortable having only the medical personnel in the exam room.

How much does it cost?

Costs for the services at the CARE Center Medical Annex can usually be covered through the Oklahoma Crime Victims Compensation Program, Medicaid eligible providers, HMO’s, private health insurers, and private donations.

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What Happens at the CARE Center?

You and your child have been asked to visit the CARE Center by a Law Enforcement officer or a DHS child protective service worker. Once you arrive, a child advocate will stay with you and your child and is available to answer any questions you might have about the Center. When it is time for your child’s interview, a Forensic Interviewer will take your child to an age-appropriate interview room. This room is designed with the emphasis on your child’s comfort, proper evidence collection and to minimize the number of interviews.

As with any traumatic situation, there may be a need for mental health services for your child and/or your family. The Center provides immediate assessment, and if necessary, makes referrals for individual, family or group therapy. If your child needs a medical exam, someone from Children’s Hospital will contact you to schedule an appointment. Specially trained medical personnel will conduct the exam. It will be conducted at either Children’s Hospital or the CARE Center’s on-site medical facility, which has been designed to continue the feeling of safety and support that children experience in the CARE Center. If your child must testify in court, a special Court School is offered, which is designed to help children and caregivers learn about the court process and their role as a witness.

How much will the services of the CARE Center cost?

You will not incur any out of pocket expenses when you visit the CARE Center for your child’s interview.

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