Victim Advocacy
Amani Center Victim Advocates
Amani Center Victim Advocates are trained professional advocates here to work with you both during your Forensic Assessment and after you leave the Amani Center. Our advocates offer both short-term and long-term support for you, your child, and your family.
Our Victim Advocates can also assist families who many not be referred for Forensic Assessments, but may still need help navigating resources for their child(ren) and families.
Victim Advocacy
The Amani Center Victim Advocate is available to meet with families when their child receives a medical evaluation and forensic interview in our facility. Victim Advocates provide support to both the children and their caregivers. We know that protective and supportive families are the best resource for kids to recover from the trauma of abuse. Staff can provide resources and materials relevant to supporting your child and yourself after trauma. Staff will work with you long term in order to ensure that you and your family are connected to the necessary resources for your family.
Case Management
Support, consultation, referrals and education are offered free of charge for families in Columbia County struggling with issues of abuse or neglect. These services are offered to non-offending family members of children receiving evaluations at the Amani Center as well as other families in the community who have questions or concerns about a child’s behavior.
Safety Planning
The Amani Center guides non-offending caregivers in taking safety measures and making safety plans that will help protect children from future abusive situations. We also offer safety planning around mental health, including concerns of suicide, and assistance with safety planning in response to domestic violence. This may be done in collaboration with partner agencies including SAFE of Columbia County, Columbia Community Mental Health, or others as needed. When attending the center, your safety plan and informational packet related to your family’s needs will be tailored to your family’s needs. If you are unable to attend the center or need help over the phone, please contact staff at (503) 366-4005 for more information or to assist you with safety planning for your child(ren).
Referrals
The Amani Center is available for questions related to child well-being and safety. Staff at the Amani Center can provide information and referrals to other appropriate services when needed, which may include connecting with the Crime Victim’s Compensation program, counseling or play therapy, educational resources, and medical providers. We may also be able to assistance in connecting to clothing closets and food pantries. Referrals to services are individualized based on your family’s needs. Please contact staff at the Amani Center so that they can connect you to the appropriate resources.