Advocacy

While various members of the multidisciplinary team (MDT) advocate for children and families within their respective systems or agencies, dedicated Harmony House advocates play a distinct and central role. They provide direct services to help ensure a consistent, coordinated network of support for each child and family throughout the process.

What to know about
child and family advocates:

  • Services are provided to children and caregivers.

  • Advocates are one consistent person throughout the life of a case.

  • Advocates remain available to clients all the way through trial and beyond.

Services you can expect:

Information Referral

Advocates will provide information regarding the criminal justice process, victims’ rights, referrals to other victim services programs, and referrals to other services.

Individual Advocacy

Our advocates will accompany you to forensic medical exams, assist with interventions with employer, creditor, landlord, or academic institution, provide child or dependent care assistance, and more.

Emotional Support

Advocates will assist with crisis intervention, referrals to individual counseling, and assistance securing basic needs.

Criminal Justice Support

This includes advocates giving notification of criminal justice events, victim impact statement assistance, advocacy and accompaniment with district attorney interviews, law enforcement interviews, and criminal justice advocacy and accompaniment.

Multidisciplinary Team (MDT)

Child abuse concerns, allegations and reports are handled by our MDT of professionals. Each case is different, and therefore requires a unique combination of team members.

Not all disciplines of the MDT are involved in every case. Members of your unique team will meet throughout the case to coordinate the best response and support services for your family. Our MDT meets once a month to review changes in cases.

Meet the Team

  • Law Enforcement

    Most cases involve law enforcement/police. They may interview non-offending caregivers, suspects, and other witnesses. Interviews of alleged offenders and suspects are not conducted at the agency.

  • Assistant District Attorney

    An Assistant District Attorney (ADA) works closely with your family and the team to decide whether criminal charges will be filed. Sometimes, the law prevents a case from moving forward in court even if the family and team believe that it should. Your advocate will be with you throughout this process. Please note, not all cases include an ADA.

  • Victim Advocate

    Victim Advocates are with the District Attorney’s Office. They ensure that you know the legal process and are notified of any legal proceedings. They also assist with resource referrals. Sometimes what they do overlaps with what your Harmony House advocate does.

  • Forensic Interviewer

    Your child will be interviewed by a professional at Harmony House at our offices. These professionals are trained to speak with children in a very specific, objective, non-leading way to gather accurate information that is developmentally appropriate and child-friendly.

  • Advocate

    Every case will have an advocate. Their role is to ensure you understand the process and that your questions are answered, as well as provide emotional support, information, and additional referrals if needed.

  • Mental Health Professional

    Mental health professionals can help your family heal and develop skills to cope with what has happened. Therapists are available for your child and any family members who may need help.

  • Medical Professional

    Our Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) has special training and expertise in evaluating children and adolescents who have experienced abuse. The exam allows the medical provider to be sure the child’s body is healthy.

  • DFCS Caseworker

    Some cases involve the Georgia Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS). DFCS caseworkers conduct interviews with all adults and children listed on a case, and develop a plan to keep children safe. Caseworkers will work closely with Law Enforcement and the advocate during this process.

  • School Social Worker

    The school social worker assists with resource referrals and can make sure that the child is receiving necessary services within the school system.  The school social worker also informs the team members if services are needed that the school system cannot provide.