Child Advocacy
24/7 Crisis Hotline: (706) 680-4723
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24/7 Crisis Hotline: (706) 680-4723 ~
Harmony House is an accredited member of the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Georgia.
Harmony House provides services to all victims of child abuse including physical abuse, sexual abuse, witness to domestic violence and witness to a homicide.
All of the services provided by Harmony House are free of charge to the child victim and their caregivers.
Child abuse investigations are conducted by a team of professionals called a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT). The MDT approach is to ensure every child in the service area is protected and all their needs are met.
the child
advocacy Center model
Why is the Children’s Advocacy Center model so important?
How does it make a difference for child victims of abuse?
At its core, the model is about teamwork – bringing the agency professionals involved in a case together on the front end and putting the needs of the child victim first.
So, rather than having a child taken from agency to agency throughout the law enforcement and child protection systems, and having to endure multiple, sequential interviews, the CAC model brings the system to the child, and brings the agency professionals together to work in a collaborative approach that results in effective, efficient and child-centered casework.
A Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) is a collaborative group of professionals who coordinate the response to child abuse concerns, allegations, and reports.
Because every situation is unique, a tailored team of specific specialists is assembled to support each family's distinct needs. These professionals collaborate throughout the process to coordinate services and support, while the broader MDT meets monthly to review case progress and help ensure families receive consistent, coordinated care.
Multidisciplinary Team
Lobby and Interview Room at
Our Elberton Office
Services Provided to Children:
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Forensic interviews are initiated only at the request of law enforcement or the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) in response to allegations of child abuse.
These sessions are conducted exclusively by professionals trained in child-focused interview techniques.
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Forensic medical exams (FMEs) may be requested following a child's disclosure of sexual abuse.
These exams are conducted at Harmony House by a trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. The FME is a comprehensive head-to-toe assessment to document injuries associated with assault and collect forensic samples.
A Harmony House advocate provides support and assistance to both the child and their caregiver throughout the process.
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During child abuse interventions and investigations, Harmony House staff provide crisis counseling to those affected. They also offer support and resources to the child and non-offending caregivers to help address the family's immediate and ongoing needs.
Continued contact may be made to ensure stability and safety of the child.
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Case management provides families with a dedicated point of contact to help coordinate care and access ongoing support. We assist with everything from mental health referrals to basic needs, allowing families to focus on healing.
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Harmony House connects families with community agencies to assist with counseling, food, housing, and other essential needs.
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Harmony House provides in-house counseling services (free of charge) or off-site counseling referrals.
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Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is an evidence-based treatment designed to help children and adolescents recover from trauma.
This structured model typically addresses a range of trauma-related difficulties over 8 to 25 sessions involving both the child and their caregiver.
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Harmony House offers several support groups for both child victims and non-offending caregivers.
Please call (706) 245-8700 to learn about our current group schedules and to register.
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Harmony House supports clients throughout their involvement with the criminal justice system.
Staff members provide education on the legal process, assist with court preparation, and accompany the child and family to court hearings related to their case.
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Meets monthly and assist the caretaker of the child abuse victim in gaining the needed support to find a sense of security and understanding from the abuse the family unit has endured. Participants talk about coping skills and support one another. This support group is facilitated by the Family Advocate. Prior registration is needed to attend. Please call (706) 245-8700 to register or for additional information.
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An educational group for teens that have been victims of sexual abuse. This group is a summer workshop.
This is a three day group workshop that helps teens understand how their past victimization puts them at risk for being re-victimized in the future and how to prevent future victimization.
Sessions guide teens through recognizing dangerous situations, making choices, understanding sexual assault, removing yourself from dangerous situations and knowing who good advisors are.
Prior registration is necessary to attend. Please call (706) 245-8700 to register and to see when the next class begins.