Back to Posts

MDT Highlight – Law Enforcement Victim Advocates

October 12, 2023

As the child advocacy center for the Cape & Islands we respond to cases involving child sexual abuse, severe physical abuse, witness to domestic violence and sexual exploitation of children. Children come to us to talk about their experiences in full detail in a child-friendly and trauma informed manner. We provide these forensic interview services in partnership with our multidisciplinary team made of up law enforcement, child protection, medical and mental health, and prosecution to provide a comprehensive and trauma-informed approach to working with children. However, for some children there may need to be an initial conversation with law enforcement to begin this process, and for adults this type of service does not exist.

Talking about any traumatic experience is incredibly difficult, however, sexual, or intimate partner violence carries an incredible weight of difficulty. Taboo, shame, blame, confusion, betrayal, and anger are just some of the feelings victims of crime may experience in such an overwhelming way that it is nearly impossible to talk about it or ask for help. This is why some regional law enforcement agencies have hired those with specialized roles to talk with and support victims of sexual and domestic violence. Across the Cape, there are several individuals who serve as Victim Service Specialists, or Victim Advocates. While they aren’t members of the investigative team, they serve with incredible honor and integrity to support victims of crime in their roles. Children’s Cove and advocates often work in tandem to provide services and coordination of care to children and their non-offending families when responding to cases in their jurisdiction.

This month we wanted to highlight some of these incredible advocates for the work they do to support our community.

Kathleen Pedini, Victim Services Coordinator, Dennis Police Department

Kathleen “Kathy” Pedini has lived and worked on the Cape for the last 35 years. Kathy loves her home in the town of Dennis, and she believes the community is what makes it more beautiful than the land itself. Raising her family, her involvement in the local school districts and their sports programs, and off-roading at Chapin beach is why she has dedicated the last nine years of her career to the Dennis Police Department.

An active member in the Community Crisis Intervention Team and Mental Health Task Force, Kathy provides follow-up contact to victims of domestic and sexual violence, as well as other crimes. Kathy provides the immediate support often needed following the team’s report, maintains communication and updates those she supports throughout the investigation. Whether it is an immediate and short-term crisis, or more long-term support, which is needed, Kathy assists each person she works with in navigating the local services which can assist them.

When asked what she enjoys about her work, Kathy states “I love a lot about my job, including the opportunity to help others through difficult situations, meeting and partnering with the community, and making a positive impact.”

What Kathy considers a success in her work: “I guess success to me is making someone feel valued, supported, and heard. I want people in the community to know we care and are there for them; they are not alone.”

Annie Catalano, Victim Services Specialist/Advocate, Yarmouth Police Department

Annie moved to the Cape in 2014 and started her work in the field of Victim Services at Independence House. In 2018, Annie was hired as the first Victim Advocate at the Yarmouth Police Department under their Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) STOP Grant. In her role, Annie connects victims with safety and support options, builds strong relationships within the community, created a Special Victims Unit, and developed a strong partnership connecting substance use disorder services with those in need.  Annie sits on the Cape & Islands Domestic Violence High Risk Task Force, Cape Cod Elder Abuse Coalition, the Enough Abuse Campaign, and she Co-Chairs the Yarmouth Substance Awareness Committee and in 2020,became certified through the National Advocate Credentialing Program.

In her work, Annie utilizes a trauma-informed and victim-centered approach and provides follow-up on all reports of domestic and sexual violence that come through the Yarmouth Police Department. In addition to assessing for safety and other needs, she will accompany victims during interviews with detectives, meet with families at Children’s Cove during a forensic interview, and accompany victims to court when appropriate.

When asked what she enjoys about her work Annie, says “I love to speak to members of the community about our Special Victims Unit and how we can support people, as well as, provide training about domestic and sexual violence, elder abuse, and child sexual abuse.  I love to empower victims of violence and watch them find their inner strengths that lead them to thrive.”

What Annie considers a success in her work: “If a victim feels safe, has the best supports in place, and feels empowered to advocate for what they need in the future. That is a success to me.”

Shelby Ray, Victim Services Specialist/Advocate, Yarmouth Police Department

Shelby joined the Yarmouth Police Department (YPD) in November of 2022 after previously having worked as a Victim Witness Assistant at the Cape & Islands District Attorney’s Office (DA). Starting with the DA’s office in 2014, after receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Bridgewater State University, Shelby worked in Barnstable and Nantucket counties and assisted a multitude of victims through the prosecution process in District and Superior Courts. Hired to YPD following an application through the COVID-19 Sexual and Domestic Violence Trust Fund Grant for Public Safety, Shelby serves as a part of the department’s Special Victims Unit. Working with Annie as part of the YPD’s Special Victims Unit, Shelby serves as a liaison between victims of domestic violence and sexual assault and the police department. While working with the officers and detectives, Shelby directly supports victims through the process of reporting a crime.  Following this, Shelby can assist victims with restraining orders, safety planning, court accompaniment, interview accompaniment, and referrals for counseling, financial and legal support and more.

Having grown up here on Cape Cod and continuing to live here, Shelby realized the importance of working to expand crucial services locally that can help better the quality of life of survivors in our area.  By being able to provide advocacy and support to those who need it, there’s a stronger likelihood that a victim will have a more positive outcome.

What Shelby considers a “success” in her work: “Whether it’s helping someone once, or helping someone for years, after they’ve experienced a traumatic event, simply being able to be there to provide guidance and support during what could be the worst time of their life, can make a world of difference to someone.”

Tara B. Carline, Victim/Witness Advocate, Mashpee Police Department

Tara received a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in Communication and Criminal Justice from the University of New Hampshire before eventually becoming a Police Officer in New Hampshire. After moving to the Cape in 2007, Tara joined the Mashpee Police Department as a Victim/Witness Advocate and has been a member of the Mashpee Police Community Services Unit since its inception in 2016. In addition, the MPD School Resource Officer and Tara are co-handlers to the first Police Comfort Dog on Cape Cod, K9 Cali.

Tara’s role includes supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence by providing crisis intervention, safety planning, support services and resources that would otherwise not be easily accessible. Tara also provides critical outreach in cases involving mental health, substance use as well as incidents involving those with juveniles and the elderly. Tara also provides training, education, and advocacy within the community. Tara finds that her work provides a sense of empowerment that can help change the course of someone’s life in a meaningful way. She hopes to make a difference in assisting people at risk by providing them with options that ultimately lead to a better situation.

What Tara considers a “success” in her work: “I would say that through my work at the Mashpee Police Department, I have been able to educate and promote change in the way people view domestic violence, substance use and behavioral health. This position has allowed me to be that constant sounding board and informational tool for survivors and others at risk.”

Jessica Jay, Victim Services Specialist Assigned to Prosecution Unit, Barnstable Police Department

Jessica grew up on Cape Cod and went to the University of Maryland, College Park, where she earned her undergraduate degree, double majoring in Criminology and Psychology.  After college Jessica worked for Gosnold Behavioral Health at the Emerson House before returning to school and earning a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Northeastern University in 2008. Following her graduation, Jessica worked for 2 years for the Cape & Island’s District Attorney’s Office as a Victim Witness Assistant, working primarily in the Orleans District Court on domestic violence cases.  Jessica started working for the Barnstable Police Department in 2010 as a civilian police advocate.

Jessica states her role has evolved over the 13 years she has been with the department, but her focus has always been on victims/survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Jessica provides follow-up on all incidents of domestic violence reported to the Department and works with sexual assault investigators to support victims. She provides support and information to victims that report to the department, or are thinking of reporting, by providing information about the law enforcement and court process, and resources.  Jessica also oversees all the Barnstable Police Departments Orders of Protection, assists the Prosecution Unit run, and supports teaching about domestic violence and sexual assault for the MPTC to the recruits at the Plymouth Police Academy.

Jessica recognizes that for victims and survivors of crime, the criminal justice system can be confusing, intimidating, and unfair at times, especially when they had no choice in becoming part of it.  Jessica works hard to meet with victims and survivors as a source of information, humanity, and compassion to help them navigate this process.

What Jessica considers a “success” in her work: “Witnessing someone’s resilience guide them to a place where they feel safe, inside and out.”

The team at Children’s Cove appreciates all the work each of these incredible advocates do to support victims of crime in our community. Their help assisting us with supportive services for child and families is invaluable, and we thank each of them for all they do!

Join our mailing list.

Back to Posts

MDT Highlight – Jaime Curley, Ed.D.

August 16, 2023

Children’s Cove has strong connections and relationships with hundreds of organizations across our community. Our Partnerships have developed through shared programming, education, awareness, and support services. These relationships are essential to our mission to support children who may be victims of crime. Across Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard & Nantucket, we count on dedicated individuals who know our process, and when needed, let us know how we can best support them. In our newsletter, we believe it’s important to highlight our partners. So, as parents and kids gear up for the beginning of a new school year, we thought the timing was right to feature one of our incredible school community partners, Dr. Jaime Curley.

Jaime is the Director of Special Education at Mashpee Public Schools and has served on Children’s Cove Advisory Council. For the last six years she has overseen special education programs in of the three schools in the district. Jaime supports teachers, students, and families to make sure all students receive an appropriate public education to ensure their success.

Jaime’s knowledge and dedication to student success has made her an invaluable partner to help Children’s Cove better understand the variety of challenges educators and districts face. She continuously provides invaluable insight into the ways we can provide support to those in need and has built connections for our team to ensure success with the Teen TASK Force, as well as several outreach and education initiatives.

A lifelong Cape Codder, Jaime grew up in Sandwich and currently lives there with her husband, three daughters (ages 19, 17, 14) and two dogs. Jaime graduated from Sandwich High School and attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst where she earned a B.A. in Psychology. Subsequently, she earned her Master of Education, Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies, and Doctorate in Education. Jaime has worked in public education for 24 years.

When considering her incredible successes and achievements, it is surprising to learn that working in education was never a part of Jaime’s professional plan. However, after college, when working as a paraprofessional in a school district, she immediately decided to spend her professional life working with children.

Seeing children overcome obstacles to find success, while building relationships with parents so they understand the many pathways to success special education programs offers their child, has shaped Jaime’s love of education.  Her biggest reward is finding the right program – both behaviorally or academically, that fits the unique situation or challenge her students face.

The team at Children’s Cove appreciates all the work Jaime has done to support children in our community, her help assisting us with supportive services for child victims and strengthening our relationships with schools across our community. Jaime is an incredible advocate for children in our community. We thank her for all that she does!

Join our mailing list.

Back to Posts

Agreement Provides Critical Partnership for Families on Martha’s Vineyard

June 27, 2023

For over 25 years, Children’s Cove has provided hope and healing for children across Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard. We have worked hard to establish a child-friendly, confidential, and safe facility where children who were victims of crime and abuse receive a streamlined, comprehensive, and supportive approach to the investigation of their case. We have accomplished this through a collaborative partnership with local law enforcement, the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families, the Cape & Islands District Attorney’s Office, and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

Our partnerships allow for not only a coordinated multidisciplinary response to cases involving child sexual abuse and severe physical abuse, but also help those who witness domestic violence, or those traumatized by commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking of children. Our collective efforts allow Children’s Cove to partner with confidential supportive services across our communities to help survivors and their non-offending families in their recovery. And Children’s Cove strives to provide assistance to all families on the Cape and Islands.

However, even with all this effort, we have found logistical and geographical challenges remain in our effort to serve all families who need help. For some families on Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket who are experiencing some of the most difficult circumstances of their lives, it can be difficult to travel by plane or ferry across Nantucket Sound and then drive to Children’s Cove. We knew that we needed to find a way to remove the barriers that exist. So, for the last several years we have engaged in quiet conversations with our dedicated community partners on Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard to find some solutions.

On June 7^th, 2023, the Barnstable County Commissioners executed an Interagency Agreement between Children’s Cove: The Cape and Islands Child Advocacy Center, and Martha’s Vineyard Community Services CONNECT to End Violence Program (CONNECT), to help child victims of crime on Martha’s Vineyard. The Board also renewed an Intergovernmental Agreement with Dukes County to provide these services on Martha Vineyard. This partnership will allow us to bring our child-friendly, trauma informed forensic interview services and coordination of care directly to the Island of Martha’s Vineyard.

Utilizing the comfortable and confidential space of CONNECT’S office, our teams worked together to develop a forensic interview room, an observation area for a multidisciplinary team, and family waiting room, which will allow families access to our services on island. While there may be instances where a family may still need to come directly to Children’s Cove in Barnstable, the vast majority of cases will be managed locally.

Our new partnership brings numerous benefits to serve our regional community. First and foremost, as a child-first organization, the burden of lengthy travel on children and their families will be eliminated. This partnership will reduce additional economic, social, professional, and emotional burdens to families in the midst of trauma. Removing these burdens will allow greater opportunity for families to receive support. Second, it allows an immediate connection to help for the child and family. With our Family Services Coordinator working directly with CONNECT staff to support the family, access to supportive services through the greater MVCS program will be connected immediately rather than after the fact. Third, the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) approach already reduces costs for investigative agencies through its collaborative model, however, for each case referred from Martha’s Vineyard, the investigative law enforcement agency needs to send a detective to Children’s Cove in Barnstable. With the multidisciplinary team meeting on-island, it minimizes the number of individuals who need to travel decreasing cost and increasing productivity. Through grant funding, this agreement has allowed eliminated any cost to Barnstable County as well.

This partnership was established by a process like the one that created Children’s Cove – a small group of community leaders sat down and discussed the future of their children, and what the community needed to do to help children who are victims of sexual abuse and violence. Through foresight, commitment, compassion, and ingenuity we found a way to continue working together and expanding partnerships to help children. We would like to thank those we worked with on this collaboration through their encouragement, direct support, funding, vision, and dedication to children on Martha’s Vineyard:

• Beth Folcarelli, CEO, MVCS
• Jennifer Neary, Director, CONNECT to End Violence, MVCS
• Chief McNamee, Edgartown Police Department
• Chief Belain, Aquinnah Police Department
• Chief Slavin, Chilmark Police Department
• Chief Searle, Oak Bluffs Police Department
• Chief Habekost, Tisbury Police Department
• Chief Mincone, West Tisbury Police Department
• Sherriff Robert Ogden, Dukes County Sheriff’s Office
• District Attorney Galibois, Cape & Islands District Attorney’s Office
• Second Assistant Russ Eonas, Cape & Islands District Attorney’s Office
• Beth Albert, County Administrator, Barnstable County Regional Government
• Mark Forest, Barnstable County Commissioner
• Sheila Lyons, Barnstable County Commissioner
• Ron Bergstrom, Barnstable County Commissioner

As we begin this collaboration and partnership, we will work to increase our awareness of services to expand access to families on the Vineyard. We believe that with partnership like our new one with MVCS, we are on the path to create communities where children are free of abuse, have a voice that is heard, and where they enjoy healthy, safe, and empowered lives.

To learn more about this partnership please reach out to our Community Engagement and Education Program Manager Jacob Stapledon.

Join our mailing list.

Back to Posts

Safe Kids Thrive a True Resource for Primary Prevention

May 23, 2023

Last month, the Boy Scouts of America began distributing victim compensation payments as part of a $2.4 billion settlement agreement to more than 82,000 survivors of child sexual abuse. This is the conclusion of a legal action that commenced in November 2020. For decades systemic sexual abuse and subsequent cover-ups led to ongoing abuse within the organization, tarnishing the reputation of one of the leading youth organizations in the nation. Since the surge of litigation, there have been a number of changes within Boy Scouts focusing on preventing sexual abuse. These changes include “mandatory youth protection training for volunteers and employees, a screening process that includes criminal background checks for new adult leaders and staff, and a policy requiring at least two youth-protection trained adults to be present with youth at all times during scouting activities.” The Boy Scouts of America, after 110 years, enacted a major policy shift which should become the standard in every youth- serving organization.

In the 25 years that Children’s Cove has served children and families on the Cape & Islands, we have worked to stem the tide of child sexual abuse and reduce its stigma through our community engagement and education programs. We worked with hundreds of youth-serving organizations across the Cape & Islands, including the Boys Scouts of America’s Cape Cod Chapter, to provide training to recognize, respond, and report child abuse. We have also helped many organizations streamline their own reporting processes.

As part of our training there is a very important message we feel is important to share with every youth-serving organization: where children are, those who seek to take advantage of children will also be there. Organizations cannot afford to take the risk that everyone in their employee or volunteer pool will act in good and moral character. Because of this, we have provided feedback and suggestions on how to reduce instances of abuse within their own organization. This is a critical part of our mission as the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) for Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard.

We also want to share that in addition to our training, there is a website that can help organizations adopt best practices to prevent child sexual abuse. It was created by the Massachusetts Task Force for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse. This task force used a multidisciplinary approach to develop guidance and resources for best practice guidelines for the prevention of child sexual abuse in youth serving organizations. Utilizing evidence-based information, research and experts in the field, in 2020 the task force launched a first of its kind website, SafeKidsThrive.org.

This resource, coordinated by the Office of the Child Advocate and Children’s Trust, allows youth-serving organizations of every size to assess and improve the safety of their programs at no cost. For many years, each youth-serving organization had to develop their own safety policies and procedures. Unfortunately, child sexual abuse rarely makes its way to the top of the list of priorities, not through malice or meaningful intent, but from the lack of easily obtainable resources and information. Now, all the information an organization needs to form comprehensive child abuse prevention guidelines is available.

Through this website any youth-serving organization can develop their own toolkit for prevention, focusing on elements of prevention. These include an organizations policies and procedures, volunteer and employee screening, hiring and criminal background checks, codes of conduct, education and training (for adults and children), sustainability of best practices and more. Their toolkit and website offer outlines and examples for organizations to develop their own policies or review the ones they currently have in place to improve them. The instructions and examples are clear, simple, and easy to understand.

We believe that with comprehensive prevention planning all youth-serving organizations can develop clear zero-tolerance guidelines which will make their organization unattractive to those looking to harm children. And, in instances where there is alleged sexual abuse, the community will know it will be taken very seriously. These policies and changes need to come from organizational leadership, and conversations surrounding sexual abuse and children’s safety should be encouraged. And, more so, our community and parents need to ask youth-serving organizations what policies they have in place to prevent child sexual abuse in their organizations. The more we bring these discussions to light, the closer we can get to a future free from the sexual abuse of children.

The community engagement and education program at Children’s Cove is available to provide direct support in developing toolkits for youth-serving organizations using the Safe Kids Thrive program, offering professional training to employees working with children, and supporting the development of effective reporting protocols. There is no cost to these services. If you would like to learn more about developing a child sexual abuse prevention toolkit for your youth-serving organization, please visit SafeKidsThrive.org, or reach out to our Community Engagement and Education Program Manager Jacob Stapledon.

Join our mailing list.