Child Abuse

The staff at The Center for Family Justice provides crisis intervention, conducts forensic interviews and offers emotional support and counseling to children who are victims of sexual,  physical and domestic violence, including cases where the children witnessed abuse.

Multi-Disciplinary Investigative Team

The Center for Family Justice is dedicated to bringing hope and healing to all child victims and their families. As an accredited Child Advocacy Center, it is the operating agency of the Multidisciplinary Investigative Team (MDT) of Greater Bridgeport.

The purpose of a Child Advocacy Center and MDT is:

• To advance and coordinate the prompt investigation and prosecution in suspected cases of child sexual abuse and severe physical abuse;
• To reduce the trauma to child victims;
• To ensure the protection of children.

MDT includes representatives from:

• The Center for Family Justice
• The Attorney General’s Office
• State’s Attorney’s Office for juvenile matters
• Medical and mental health professionals
• Local police departments
• The Connecticut Department of Children and Families
• Victim advocates

Referring a case to MDT

• Cases are referred to MDT by representatives from the Department of Children and Families and/or the police.
• If you have knowledge or suspicion that a child has been abused, please call the Department of Children and Families (800-842-2288) or your local police department.
• If you have additional questions or need more information, call the MDT coordinator at 203-334-6154.

Domestic and sexual violence advocacy

The Center provides both domestic violence and sexual assault services to children. Services provided in both English and Spanish include:

• Referrals to other services that are specific to the child’s needs;
• Advocacy with other agencies;
• Age-appropriate safety planning;
• Activity groups while adult caregivers are in session.

Advocates also provide a model of healthy parenting skills and works with the mother to develop safety plans for her children. As needed, Advocates meet regularly with individual children to support them through this difficult time and provide them with information or education about living within a family experiencing violence.

Child abuse prevention

An important part of our mission at The Center for Family Justice is to educate the public, starting at a young age, on ways to build healthy relationships, stop bullying and end teen dating violence. For information about bringing a program into your school or onto your college campus, contact Amanda Posila, Director of Programs, at 203-334-6154.