The James M. Barrie Center for Children provides direct services to children and families who have experienced sexual abuse, physical abuse, or have witnessed a violent crime such as sexual assault, homicide, arson, etc. These services include forensic interviews, trauma informed therapy, victim advocacy, referrals to medical providers or community resources, multi-disciplinary team coordination, and community training and education.
Forensic Interviews
A forensic interview (FI) is a recorded interview designed to elicit a child’s unique information when there are concerns of possible abuse or when the child has witnessed a crime. The forensic interview is conducted in a supportive, developmentally-appropriate and non-leading manner by a professional trained in the National Children’s Advocacy Center (NCAC) Forensic Interview model. Specially trained staff members at the Barrie Center conduct these legally justifiable, fact-finding interviews with children at the request of our multi-disciplinary team.
Referrals for forensic interviews are only received from law enforcement, the District Attorney’s Office, or the Department of Human Resources. All forensic interviews are digitally recorded and remotely observed by members of the multi-disciplinary team of investigators.
The Barrie Center is the only agency providing this critical service within Etowah County.
Therapy
The Barrie Center believes children need to process their trauma to begin healing. Our center offers high-quality, trauma-based counseling services at no charge to child victims and their families. Our therapy approaches include Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Play Therapy. These models address the emotional and behavioral difficulties associated with traumatic life experiences. Both models are evidence-based programs and are considered best practice for children and families who have experienced abuse and trauma.
Victim Advocacy and Support Services
The Barrie Center understands the journey to healing continues after the family leaves our center. Our Victim/Family Advocate provides follow-up contacts and support for children and families throughout the criminal justice process while our Community Outreach Advocate connects families to community resources as needed. Our center also provides referrals for medical exams through the Children’s Hospital Intervention and Prevention Services (CHIPS) Center at Children’s Hospital in Birmingham.
The Barrie Center believes children can heal and thrive after abuse and our staff of advocates are committed to helping along the way.
Multi-disciplinary Team Coordination
The Barrie Center coordinates intervention among child welfare professionals in Etowah County to ensure protection and justice for child victims and their non-offending family members. Our Multi-Disciplinary Team includes professionals from the Department of Human Resources, local law enforcement jurisdictions, the District Attorney’s office, and Children’s Hospital of Alabama.
Training and Education
Barrie Center staff provide free training and education on child abuse related topics to the community and to child abuse professionals through our Pinwheels for Prevention program. The burden of prevention and protection belongs to adults who are responsible for the health and safety of children. Therefore, we train adults and those who work in community organizations to recognize potential opportunities for abuse. This prevention program will benefit both children and adults as we aim to continually create communities where children can thrive.
