Services
Accessing Services at Children’s Cove
Children’s Cove provides the coordinated response to cases of child sexual abuse, physical abuse, witness to domestic violence, commercial sexual exploitation, and trafficking. Because each child and non-offending caregiver we support is unique, we provide wrap around comprehensive supports for each case.
Children’s Cove takes referrals from the Department of Children and Families and law enforcement agencies across all of Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard when a child is disclosing or there are allegations of abuse. We work directly with any investigating agencies involved to schedule a forensic interview for the child and non-offending family to be able to talk about what has happened. After the interview, the child and non-offending family members will have the opportunity to access other programs and services.
If you are a caregiver of a child who you feel may have experienced childhood abuse, we are a resource for anyone that contacts us in need of support. With our connections to professional and community groups we could advise you on who to contact, or simply to talk with you about the situation. In most cases, we can make specific referrals for mental health services.
The criteria for a referral to Children’s Cove is:
- Child should be between the ages of 2 to 17 years old, or an adult of any age with developmental disabilities. (Ages 0-17 for any medical referrals)
- The child has made a disclosure of sexual abuse, severe physical abuse, witness to domestic violence, commercial sexual exploitation, or trafficking.
- The alleged abuse must have occurred on the Cape and Islands.
- An initial report needs to be made to law enforcement or to the Department of Children and Families.
When accessing services, Children’s Cove provides trauma informed, child friendly, culturally sensitive, evidence-based care for children and their non-offending caregivers free of charge. It is the policy and standards of Children’s Cove to ensure high quality services without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. Children’s Cove prohibits any such discrimination or harassment.
