The Warren Washington CARE Center works collaboratively with many agencies in the community

The goal of a multidisciplinary team approach to child abuse investigations is to reduce the number of times a child has to disclose their experience. The Warren-Washington CARE Center coordinates the team of partners who are involved in the child abuse investigation process.

Our Partners
The work that is done at the Warren Washington CARE Center is truly a team effort. The members of the multidisciplinary team specialize in child abuse cases and many have made it their life’s work to help child victims of physical and sexual abuse. The MDT works together to reduce the trauma to the victims during the investigation and prosecution processes as well as conduct monthly case reviews to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses in each individual case.

The roles of the team members are explained below.

• The Warren Washington CARE Center:  provides families from Warren and Washington counties with a safe, child-friendly, and confidential environment to assist them in a very difficult time. The CARE Center has been committed to providing services to child victims since 2003 and has helped countless families to cope and heal.

• Child Protective Services: the role of CPS is to protect your child. CPS caseworkers conduct interviews and develop safety and service plans for your family. They can help secure services for your family.

• Law Enforcement: it is possible for local, state, or sheriff’s department to have investigators assigned to your case. The assignment of law enforcement is determined by the facts of the case and the jurisdiction of where the abuse occurred. The CARE Center works with Law Enforcement investigators that have special training in child abuse cases.

• The District Attorney’s Office:
  • The Assistant District Attorney has the final decision if there is enough evidence to move forward with criminal charges against the alleged offender. The ADA considers all circumstances that will affect the likelihood of success in court.
  • The Victim Specialist can assist with making an appropriate referral for support or treatment, accompany you and your child to court to provide support, assist with preparation for trial, plea, and sentencing. They will also keep you and your family aware of post prosecution events.

• Warren and Washington County Probation: participates in the multidisciplinary team process and monthly case review meetings.

• Victim Advocates: provide emotional support for child victims and their non-offending family members. Your Victim Advocate can provide immediate crisis counseling, resources for licensed professional counselors, and support groups for victims of crime and their non-offending family members.

• Mental Health Services: the Warren Washington CARE Center can make referrals for you and your child to the mental health provider of your choice. All services are confidential.

• Glens Falls Hospital: participates in the multidisciplinary team processes. Depending on the details of the case, children may be taken to the emergency room for an examination and treatment of acute injuries. The cost of a forensic examination performed at a hospital in N.Y.S. is covered by the New York State Office of Victim Services.

• Medical Consultation: the Medical Director of the CARE Center. can be accessed for a non-acute forensic medical examination if it is deemed necessary. All services provided at the CARE Center are at no charge to the family.

• South Adirondack Child Care Network: participates in the multidisciplinary team process and monthly case review meetings.

• Health Department: participates in the multidisciplinary team process and monthly case review meetings.

• Youth Bureau/Safe Harbor: participates in the multidisciplinary team process and monthly case review meetings.

• WAIT House: participates in the multidisciplinary team process and monthly case review meetings.

• Domestic Violence Project: participates in the multidisciplinary team process and monthly case review meetings as well as assist in providing information and referral when domestic violence is an issue.