It is the goal of investigators to lessen a child’s trauma by having only one full interview conducted. CPRC Forensic Interviewers are specially trained to interview children disclosing abuse and to sensitively gather all of the necessary information so investigators can complete a thorough investigation.  It is important to remember that your child is being interviewed, not interrogated. Your child is not in trouble. This is your child’s opportunity to share their experience, in their own words, in a child-friendly setting.

Your child will talk with a Forensic Interviewer. The Interviewer has special training and experience in talking with children about difficult subjects. The Interviewer's goal is to make your child as comfortable as possible while gathering the necessary information for the investigation. Questions are asked in a non-threatening and non-leading manner. The Interviewer moves at a pace that is comfortable for your child and never forces your child to talk.

No, The forensic interview does not replace court testimony. It is the first step in allowing your child to provide information about the reported incident(s) to determine next steps in an investigation.

There is no cost for a forensic interview.

If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, you can contact our office at 563-200-1102 and our staff will be happy to reschedule your child's appointment. You can also contact the detective or caseworker who initially called to schedule the appointment.

After the forensic interview, law enforcement and/or protective services will inform you about what will happen next. CPRC's Child and Family Advocate is available to offer referrals and resources and help with questions you might have.

No, The interview environment is designed to be a safe space for children to openly talk about something they experienced or witnessed without concern of what someone might feel or think towards a situation. Additionally ,the forensic interview is reserved for investigative purposes; therefore only the assigned agencies are allowed to observe the forensic interview.

No, the Child Protection Response Center is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization. CPRC accepts referrals from DHS and local law enforcement for forensic interviews and medical evaluations on children with allegations of abuse.

By focusing first on the needs of children and their families, CPRC ensures that important services and information are provided for you. Utilizing a team approach and a recorded interview improves the quality of the investigation and minimizes further trauma by reducing the number of times your child has to talk about their experiences. On-site medical providers allows your child to remain in a familiar, child-friendly environment.

We want to respect the confidentiality of all families who are present for appointments so we ask that a supportive parent(s) or caregiver bring the child(ren) to their appointment. Alleged adult sexual offenders are never allowed on CPRC premises.  

When allegations of abuse are made, law enforcement and child protective services have a mandate to look into these concerns. All sources of information are considered and reviewed to ensure the safety of your child. Team members will keep you informed about the status of the investigation. CPRC staff, law enforcement and child protective services will be available to provide you with support and answer any questions you might have about the process.

It is important to let your child know they are going to a safe place to talk about what happened. The most important thing your child should know is to tell the truth and that you support them.

Tell them that you really don’t know what will be asked, but that it’s very important for them to be honest. Assure your child that this person works with children every day talking about difficult things. Tell them you want them to answer all the questions the best they can and to tell the truth. Let your child know that you support them and they are not in any trouble. Give the child permission to talk about what they have disclosed. Be general in what you tell the child (i.e. “It’s okay to tell the interviewer what you told me (or whomever they told) about what happened to you”). Do not repeat the details of what they have disclosed or ask them any additional questions.

You can certainly ask about how things went but don’t press the child for specifics, as the goal of the interview is that the child doesn’t have to keep repeating the details. Asking things like what the room was like, if the interviewer was nice, or how they are feeling are perfectly acceptable questions; it shows you’re interested in their experience, but respect they may be uncomfortable giving you too many details.

No. All interviews are part of an official investigative process and are scheduled through law enforcement or child protective services. If you suspect your child is being abused, please call the Iowa Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-362-2178.

Your child needs to know that you believe them and will support them .  Children who have someone supporting them suffer fewer or long term effects than do children without help.  Your role as a parent is to support your child in recovery by providing reassurance, safety, and love.  Children need reassurance that they didn’t cause your anger, upset, and sadness.  Some children’s belief that they are the cause of everything may make this difficult for them to understand. Additional things to say: I believe you. I’m sorry this happened to you. I’m glad I know. You will be taken care of. I’m not sure what will happen next. This has happened to other children: your age, younger and older, boys and girls. Nothing about you made it happen. I will do my best to protect you, now that I know. You don’t need to take care of me. I know it wasn’t your fault. We will all get through this, just like we recover from illness or an accident, but it may take a long time. I am upset, but not with you. I’m angry with the person who did this I’m sad. You may see me cry. That’s all right. I will be able to take care of you. I’m not mad at you.

Reassure your child they are not in trouble. Try to keep your emotions in check. Thank your child for telling you. Children need to know they are not the reason for your anger, sadness, or disbelief. Don't expect or tell your child to forget it. Don't say, "it can't be", or, "I don't believe it". Don't restrict your child's activities or movements more than necessary. For example., if you refuse to allow them to play in the yard, they may feel they are being punished.

Keep calm. Your child may sense the emotional stress and anger you may be feeling about what has happened to them. This may cause a child to feel responsible for upsetting you and may cause them to wish they had never disclosed. Use comforting statements such as “I’m proud of you for telling” or “What happened to you wasn’t your fault”. Listen to your child if they feel like talking, but do not let your desire to make sense of what has happened lead you into asking probing questions about details of the abuse. Sometimes if a child feels uncomfortable they won’t give details and may even say they “don’t remember” the incident. Do not make any promises about what will happen to the offender or promise that the child will never have to see the offender again. It may not be true (e.g. court proceedings). Your child needs to trust your word. It is better to tell a child that you don’t know the answer to a question.

The role of the Child and Family Advocate is to offer support for you and your child. CPRC's Advocate works with agency service providers to make referrals based on the needs of your child and family. Our Advocates are also available to answer questions and offer resources for your and your child.

If you suspect a child is being abused, please call the Iowa Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-362-2178.

By focusing first on the needs of children and their families, CPRC ensures that important services and information are provided for you. Utilizing a team approach and a recorded interview improves the quality of the investigation and minimizes further trauma by reducing the number of times your child has to talk about their experiences. On-site medcial providers allows your child to remain in a familiar, child-friendly environment.

The purpose of the exam is to collect evidence and document trauma if present (especially in acute cases). The exam is also used to assess for and treat sexually transmitted infections, injuries, pregnancy, and degree of emotional trauma. Most importantly, it is performed to reassure your child that their body is okay.

Medical Evaluations for sexual abuse allegations in Iowa are covered by the Iowa Crime Victim's Assistance Program. Medical Evaluations for physical abuse allegations are billed to insurance.

If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, you can contact our office at 563-200-1102 and our staff will be happy to reschedule your child's appointment. You can also contact the detective or caseworker who initially called to schedule the appointment.

The doctor will speak with you and share necessary results with you. If lab tests or x-rays are done, our physician will call you with the results. We can arrange for help with any needed treatment.

No, the Child Protection Response Center is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization. CPRC accepts referrals from DHS and local law enforcement for forensic interviews and medical evaluations on children with allegations of abuse.

We want to respect the confidentiality of all families who are present for appointments so we ask that a supportive parent(s) or caregiver bring the child to their appointment. Alleged adult sexual offenders are never allowed on CPRC premises.  During the exam portion of the medical evaluation, many children want a parent or supportive adult in the exam room with them for comfort and reassurance. Other children prefer to do the exam on their own. The parent, whenever possible, needs to respect the child’s preference in this regard.

No child will be forced to have a medical exam. All children will be offered one and an investigator may request a child to have an exam. It is normal for children to feel anxious about a medical examination. CPRC's physician will take as much time as necessary to help your child throughout the medical evaluation by explaining each step of the check-up and finding ways to put your child at east. Much care is given to protect the modesty and rights of your child.

When allegations of abuse are made, law enforcement and child protective services have a mandate to look into these concerns. All sources of information are considered and reviewed to ensure the safety of your child. Team members will keep you informed about the status of the investigation. CPRC staff, law enforcement and child protective services will be available to provide you with support and answer any questions you might have about the process.

Most children have no physical injuries to their genital or anal areas. This does not mean that sexual abuse has not occurred. It is possible that your child has been involved in sexual activity that has not injured their bodies in a way that leaves lasting physical signs. The medical evaluation is also used to assess for and treat sexually transmitted infections, and to identify if pregnancy is an issue. Most importantly, it is performed to reassure your child that their body is okay and can be important for your child's emotional health.

Your child should be made aware that they will be seen by a doctor who will complete a check-up that includes looking at everything on their body, from the top of their head to the bottom of their toes and everything in between. This check-up is important to ensure that they are healthy and it should not cause pain. There are no shots and no needles at our facility.

All medical evaluations are part of an official investigative process and are scheduled thru law enforcement or child protective services. Rarely the Medical Director may identify a situation where law enforcement and child protective services are not involved but an exam is warranted. If you suspect your child is being abused, please call the Iowa Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-362-2178.

Keep calm. Your child may sense the emotional stress and anger you may be feeling about what has happened to them. This may cause a child to feel responsible for upsetting you and may cause them to wish they had never disclosed. Use comforting statements such as “I’m proud of you for telling” or “What happened to you wasn’t your fault”. Listen to your child if they feel like talking, but do not let your desire to make sense of what has happened lead you into asking probing questions about details of the abuse. Sometimes if a child feels uncomfortable they won’t give details and may even say they “don’t remember” the incident. Do not make any promises about what will happen to the offender or promise that the child will never have to see the offender again. It may not be true (e.g. court proceedings). Your child needs to trust your word. It is better to tell a child that you don’t know the answer to a question.

Your child needs to know that you believe them and will support them .  Children who have someone supporting them suffer fewer or long term effects than do children without help.  Your role as a parent is to support your child in recovery by providing reassurance, safety, and love.  Children need reassurance that they didn’t cause your anger, upset, and sadness.  Some children’s belief that they are the cause of everything may make this difficult for them to understand. Additional things to say: I believe you. I’m sorry this happened to you. I’m glad I know. You will be taken care of. I’m not sure what will happen next. This has happened to other children: your age, younger and older, boys and girls. Nothing about you made it happen. I will do my best to protect you, now that I know. You don’t need to take care of me. I know it wasn’t your fault. We will all get through this, just like we recover from illness or an accident, but it may take a long time. I am upset, but not with you. I’m angry with the person who did this I’m sad. You may see me cry. That’s all right. I will be able to take care of you. I’m not mad at you.

CPRC's child and family advocate will provide referral information for a therapist specifically trained and experienced in trauma and abuse. Counseling can help you, your child and your family through this very difficult time. 

If you suspect a child is being abused, please call the Iowa Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-362-2178.

The role of the Child and Family Advocate is to offer support for you and your child. CPRC's Advocate works with agency service providers to make referrals based on the needs of your child and family. Our Advocates are also available to answer questions and offer resources for your and your child.

By focusing first on the needs of children and their families, CPRC ensures that important services and information are provided for you. Utilizing a team approach and a recorded interview improves the quality of the investigation and minimizes further trauma by reducing the number of times your child has to talk about their experiences. On-site medical providers allows your child to remain in a familiar, child-friendly environment.

CPRC's Child and Family Advocates connect with children and families during the initial visit to the Center. Child and Family Advocates provide an orientation of the Center, explain the investigative process, and education families on the dynamics of child abuse. They are routinely available to answer questions, provide support, give up to date information to families, and coordinate victim services.

Some common mental health issues that can result after a traumatic experience include; depression (Victims are 3-5 times more likely to suffer from depression), distorted body image and eating disorders, low self-esteem and poor social skills, poor development and immaturity, anger and hostility, and inability to trust.

CPRC's Child and Family Advocate can provide referral information for a therapist specifically trained and experienced in trauma and abuse. Counseling can help you, your child and your family through this very difficult time. 

Trauma focused therapy is an approach to therapy that recognizes and emphasizes understanding how the traumatic experience impacts your child's mental, behavioral, emotional, physical, and spiritual well -being. This type of therapy is rooted in understanding the connection between the trauma experience and your child's emotional and behavioral responses. The purpose of trauma focused therapy is to offer skills and strategies to assist your child in better understanding, coping with, and processing emotions and memories tied to their traumatic experience, with the end goal of enabling your child to create a healthier and more adaptive meaning of the experience that took place in their life.

Counseling is not necessary in all cases of abuse, but it can be very helpful for many children. Although sometimes parents feel they would like their child to just forget about what happened and move on, this may actually increase the stress on your child. When the situation is handled in a direct and sensitive way, the negative effects on your child can be reduced.

No, it is never too late for therapy. If you would like for us to provide a therapy referral for you or your child, please call our office and ask to speak with our Child and Family Advocate at 563-200-1102.

When allegations of abuse are made, law enforcement and child protective services have a mandate to look into these concerns. All sources of information are considered and reviewed to ensure the safety of your child. Team members will keep you informed about the status of the investigation. CPRC staff, law enforcement and child protective services will be available to provide you with support and answer any questions you might have about the process.

No, the Child Protection Response Center is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization. CPRC accepts referrals from DHS and local law enforcement for forensic interviews and medical evaluations on children with allegations of abuse.

Extreme change in behavior, including being withdrawn / more aggressive Recurring nightmares Disturbed sleep patterns Regression in behaviors like bedwetting / thumb sucking Torn / bloodied underwear Vaginal / rectal bleeding, pain, itching or discharge Unusual interest in / knowledge of sexual matters Expressing affection in ways that are inappropriate for a child of that age Fear of a person / an intense dislike of being left somewhere or with someone Other behavioral signals may include disruptive behavior, withdrawal, running away, delinquent behavior, failure in school, depression or poor self-esteem. Adolescents may run away, commit crimes, abuse drugs and/or alcohol, engage in self-harm or become suicidal. It is important to note that many times children and adolescents display no symptoms. For this reason it is important to do whatever you can to prevent and educate your child about abuse.

Perpetrators often manipulate children into keeping the abuse a secret. They sometimes downplay the defenses of children by explaining they were merely playing a "game". Abuse can begin with minimal or "accidental touches" and progress to more serious sexual activity. Perpetrators often create names for the child's and his/her own genitals to lessen the child's alarm at what is happening. This also misleads care providers who do not know the significance of a child using those terms. Children can feel helpless to disclose the abuse, due to the fact that the perpetrator has told them many reasons why they shouldn't tell.

Keep calm. Your child may sense the emotional stress and anger you may be feeling about what has happened to them. This may cause a child to feel responsible for upsetting you and may cause them to wish they had never disclosed. Use comforting statements such as “I’m proud of you for telling” or “What happened to you wasn’t your fault”. Listen to your child if they feel like talking, but do not let your desire to make sense of what has happened lead you into asking probing questions about details of the abuse. Sometimes if a child feels uncomfortable they won’t give details and may even say they “don’t remember” the incident. Do not make any promises about what will happen to the offender or promise that the child will never have to see the offender again. It may not be true (e.g. court proceedings). Your child needs to trust your word. It is better to tell a child that you don’t know the answer to a question.

Your child needs to know that you believe them and will support them .  Children who have someone supporting them suffer fewer or long term effects than do children without help.  Your role as a parent is to support your child in recovery by providing reassurance, safety, and love.  Children need reassurance that they didn’t cause your anger, upset, and sadness.  Some children’s belief that they are the cause of everything may make this difficult for them to understand. Additional things to say: I believe you. I’m sorry this happened to you. I’m glad I know. You will be taken care of. I’m not sure what will happen next. This has happened to other children: your age, younger and older, boys and girls. Nothing about you made it happen. I will do my best to protect you, now that I know. You don’t need to take care of me. I know it wasn’t your fault. We will all get through this, just like we recover from illness or an accident, but it may take a long time. I am upset, but not with you. I’m angry with the person who did this I’m sad. You may see me cry. That’s all right. I will be able to take care of you. I’m not mad at you.

Reassure your child they are not in trouble. Try to keep your emotions in check. Thank your child for telling you. Children need to know they are not the reason for your anger, sadness, or disbelief. Don't expect or tell your child to forget it. Don't say, "it can't be", or, "I don't believe it". Don't restrict your child's activities or movements more than necessary. For example., if you refuse to allow them to play in the yard, they may feel they are being punished.

If you suspect a child is being abused, please call the Iowa Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-362-2178.

CPRC does not require a referral in order to be seen at our center for a behavioral health evaluation. However, some insurance carriers may have referral requirements, so please check with your insurance before scheduling an appointment.

Yes, CPRC accepts Iowa Medicaid, including Iowa Total Care and Amerigroup, as well as Illinois Medicaid.

If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, you can contact our office at 563-200-1102 and our staff will be happy to reschedule your child's appointment.

CPRC physicians are NOT psychiatrists. They are pediatricians with extensive training in assessing, diagnosing, and treating pediatric behavioral and developmental health concerns. CPRC physicians manage the selection of medications, monitor improvements, and identify side effects along with making referrals for outside therapies and resources.   

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) Anxiety Depression Aggression Sleep Disturbance

The most common treatment options are medication, individual and family therapy, and BHIS (Behavioral Health Intervention Services). CPRC Physicians may also suggest parent counseling and/or PCIT (Parent Child Interactive Therapy) to help teach parents how to effectively mange behaviors at home. This is especially important with diagnosis of Oppositional Definite Disorders.

After a complete evaluation, including a detailed history and review of assessments, CPRC's physicians will identify a primary diagnosis and then have a discussion regarding possible treatment options. Medication may be suggested but it always up to the parents and/or child to move forward with whatever treatment option they feel comfortable with.

Each child is unique and what works for one individual may not work for another. Some patients will experience side effects with one medication and not another. All these factors can come into play when the physician is attempting to prescribe the correct medication for your child and their situation.

Medications can only do so much. Therapy can help to identify and change thought and behavior patterns and help children to develop healthier and more effective coping mechanisms. Studies have shown that patients receiving a combination of therapy and medication were 25% more likely to respond than those receiving medication alone and 27% more likely to respond than those receiving therapy alone.

Initially, follow up appointments are performed more frequently to work towards getting the correct dosage for optimal symptom control. In addition, physicians are continually monitoring for side effects. Once a child has reached an optimal dosage for symptom control, visits will be less often. Typically, once a child stabilizes, visits will be approximately every three months.

As a good medical history is necessary for the diagnosis of the child, it is important that the parent(s) and/or caregiver(s) accompanying the child(ren) have a good understanding of the behavioral concerns which have brought them to the Center.

With diagnosis such as ADHD, it is helpful for the physician to gain a better understanding of how your child functions both in and out of school. CPRC Physicians ask a child's teacher to complete a Vanderbilt assessment similar to the one a parent completes. However, in order to protect the child's privacy, we must have the parents permission to contact the school.

If you suspect your child is being abused, please call the Iowa Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-362-2178.