The Chautauqua County Child Advocacy Program is a safe, child-friendly center that supports a multi-disciplinary investigative approach to child physical and sexual abuse allegations. Our Center brings together agencies in one child friendly setting that is physically and psychologically safe. In doing this we reduce unnecessary duplication of interviews thereby lessening the trauma experienced by child victims and non-offending family members and holding individuals accountable for their victimization of children.
Mission
CAP’s mission is to end child abuse in Chautauqua County. When abuse occurs, CAP coordinates a community response to bring healing, hope and justice to these children and families.
Vision
CAP’s vision is seeing healthy children and families create a safe and engaged community.
Child Sexual Abuse is one of the most prevalent health problems. Children are also at higher risk for mental and physical issues as a result. In 2020, the Child Advocacy Program saw 480 children. 66% were female and 33% were male. Another sobering statistic is that 99% of children re abused by someone they know.
The Child Advocacy Program has two locations – 405 West Third Street, Jamestown and 425 Main Street in Dunkirk.
A Child Advocacy Center is important and a safe and welcoming place. The Child Advocacy Program facilitates a multidisciplinary team made up of law, DA, Mental Health, etc.
What is the Multi-Disciplinary Team?
The Multi-Disciplinary team started over 20 years ago informally. After many attempts to receive help with grants and being denied, District Attorney David Foley applied for a grant for CAP’s cause and was successful. The District Attorney then hired a Project Director, Jana McDermott, in 2007 and the group has grown from sharing an office with the district attorney’s office to having a space of their own on west 3 rd street. The team is the heart of our CAP’s response to allegations of child abuse. Each person is crucial to maximize the ability to provide thorough and effective services to children and their families.
Human Trafficking – Kayleah Feser – Safe Harbour Anti-Trafficking Initiative
Safe Harbour is the NYS initiative for a coordinated response to a growing number of identified cases of child sex trafficking and the commercial exploitation of children.
Addresses child sex trafficking in 3 ways:
- Prevention/Awareness Raising
- Identification
- Response
Child Sex Trafficking – recruitment, harboring, transportation or obtaining of a person for the purpose of a commercial sex act. It is modern day sex slavery.
How big is the problem in our County?
- 127 youth referred to the Safer Harbour Program
- 20 Youth me the definition of being involved in child sex trafficking
- 81 are high risk youth
- 13.31 is the average age of referral
- 89% identify as female
Child trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation can affect all children regardless of age, race, sexual orientation, gender, and socioeconomic status. However, youth involved in the Child Welfare System are more likely to be trafficked or exploited. Some red flags to watch out for include:
- Chronic runaway/truant/homeless youth
- Have goods or services they cannot afford
- Excessive amount of cash
- Carries multiple hotel keys
- Signs of branding (tattoos, jewelry)
- Restricted and/or scripted communication
- Physical injuries or signs of abuse
- Multiple STIs or pregnancies
- Lying about age/false identification and/or inconsistencies
- Appear scared or nervous, may not make eye contact
- Lack of knowledge about where they are and why
- Signs of psychological trauma and abuse; anxiety, depression, thoughts of suicide, panic attacks, or lack of emotion (flat affect)
- Typically has someone with them at all times, this person may seem controlling
What can you do to Volunteer?
- Take a Stewards of Child Training
- Attend Child Advocacy Program fundraisers
- Participate in annual fun runs
- Be an ambassador in the community
- Participate in board committee
Questions
Are ppl being arrested for this? There are legal ramifications, but it is a slow process and can be very convoluted. One case that started in 2019 is now going to grand jury. Court cases have been postponed due to COVID. Cases are happening and moving forward now. CAP works closely with DHS and the FBI. Federal charges also carry higher charges. Collaboration works well.
Are these offenders in jail awaiting jail? Most are incarcerated but some are still in the community because charges have not been filed. Cases are very hard to charge because some people don’t know it is a crime.
