Child Advocacy Network

Forensic Interviews - (1,625 children seen (1,383 interviews) / twelve months ending 12/31/2023, 135/month): The Child Advocacy Network (CAN) employs professionalchild-interview specialists who conduct nonleading and therapeutically-soundforensic interviews at the request of child welfare (DHS) or law enforcementinvestigators. CAN's interviewers are specially trained to facilitate children's abilities to make accurate statements about their experiences regarding reported abuse. CAN requires its interviewers have a broad base of knowledge that includes child development, family systems, and the dynamics of abuse.

Medical Evaluations (531 evaluations / twelve months ending 12/31/2023, 44/ month): Specially trained child abuse pediatricians and a nurse (LPN) from the University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine (Tulsa) provide child abuse medical evaluations. The medical component is designed to respond to same/next day requests from child welfare (DHS) and law enforcement. By coordinating with child welfare and law enforcement, CAN assures that medical evaluations are conducted during the child's appointment at CAN as part of a child abuse investigation, thus avoiding multiple exams by different providers. Medical evaluations are one of CANs most critical services. Medical findings assist investigators in determining whether abuse has occurred. Additionally, the child-friendly medical experts often relieve any anxiety that children may have about the health of their body.

Mental Health Consultations and Referrals (1,312 consultations / twelve months ending 12/31/2023, 109/month): Child abuse investigations can be very overwhelming, and many children and families have difficulties dealing with new emotions and anxieties. CAN assists families in many ways, including crisis intervention, consultation, and referrals to appropriate therapeutic services and community support programs. CAN employs mental health professionals who have extensive knowledge in child development, the dynamics of abuse, crisis intervention, family systems, and community resources. Their primary focus is to provide immediate support and information to children and their nonoffending caregivers, so they can establish long-term relationships with appropriate community support programs and therapeutic services.