New center to support abused children opens in San Luis Obispo

A new center for children who have been mentally, physically or sexually abused.

The Child Advocacy Center has been in the works since 2018 and is now open.

“Families can come to one location and receive forensic interviews, medical examiner services and child care services all in one place,” said Katie Robinson, head of the child abuse interview team at the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office.

It is a joint effort between the District Attorney's Office, the Center for Family Strengthening, the county health and child welfare department, the sheriff's office, the abuse response team, the victim support center and local law enforcement agencies.

The building has several spaces: a playroom, a family room, a consultation room, office areas, family advocates, behavioral health specialists, medical staff, and a child abuse interview team.

“Child forensic interview teams conduct approximately 300 interviews each year with children suspected of being victims of some type of abuse,” said Dan Dow, the county's district attorney.

Before the new center opened, families visited numerous organizations throughout the county.

“All services benefit the child,” Dow said. “In the past, children had to go from department to department to receive all services, and that alone is a huge burden on anyone, but especially on at-risk children.”

Professionals work together to investigate cases of abuse, help children recover from abuse, and hold perpetrators accountable.

“There may be anxiety and other feelings, but if we can alleviate those even a little bit with this new location, it will be worth the effort,” Robinson said.

The cost of setting up the center was approximately $200,000 and was funded from the District Attorney's Office budget.

It was approved that the running costs would be covered from the county's general fund.