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Our Approach

As a Child Advocacy Center, Hope Haven has assembled a team of professionals that work together to support families and victims of sexual abuse and trauma.

 

The Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) works together at Hope Haven's office to review reported cases of abuse. The MDT is 10 agencies strong representing multiple agencies in each county. When agencies work together as a team, victims and their families receive the right resources for healing and justice. The MDT approach is a powerful method that reduces traumatization while holding offenders accountable. 

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​The mission of MDT is, “to work together through a collaborative, inter-agency approach to ensure the best possible outcomes for children who are victims of sexual abuse and other severe physical abuse.” MDT partners work under a shared protocol.

The CAC Approach

Victim's Journey Without Hope Haven

To understand what Hope Haven Children’s Advocacy Center is, you must understand what children face without a children's advocacy center. 

 

Without Hope Haven, the child may end up having to tell the worst story of his or her life over and over again, to doctors, cops, lawyers, therapists, investigators, judges, and others.

 

They may have to talk about that traumatic experience in a police station where they think they might be in trouble. Even worse, the child may be asked the wrong questions by a well-meaning teacher or other adult that could hurt the case against the abuser.

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Victim's Journey With Hope Haven

When police or child protective services believe a child is being abused, the child is brought to Hope Haven — a safe, child-focused environment—by a caregiver or other “safe” adult.

 

Here at Hope Haven, the child tells their story once to a trained interviewer who knows the right questions to ask in a way that does not not re-traumatize the child.

 

Then, the multidisciplinary team that includes medical professionals, law enforcement, mental health, prosecution, child protective services, victim advocacy, and other professionals make decisions together about how to help the child based on the interview.

 

Hope Haven offers therapy and medical exams, plus courtroom preparation, victim advocacy, case management, and other services. 

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Partner Agencies

  • Hancock County Sheriff's Office

  • Pearl River County Sheriff's Office

  • Bay St. Louis Police Department

  • Waveland Police Department

  • Picayune Police Department

  • Hancock County District Attorney

  • Pearl River County District Attorney

  • Hancock County Youth Court

  • Pearl River County Youth Court

  • Casa of Hancock County

  • Child Protective Services

  • Gulf Coast Mental Health

  • Pine Grove Mental Health

  • Children's Health Center

WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT HOPE HAVEN

"Being informed through every step, all of our questions are answered, and the staff is always very nice."

September 2019

Hope Haven Client

"They made sure I knew I was not at fault."

September 2019

Hope Haven Client

"The staff are genuine, caring, encouraging, and reassured me if I need them, I can call."

August 2019

Hope Haven Client

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