For Caretakers
We know that helping your child report (and ultimately overcome) abuse isn't easy. At Jane's Place, we and our partner agencies are dedicated to making sure that you and your child understand what's going on at all times. If you feel overwhelmed or concerned about your child's treatment during the investigation process, we encourage you to ask questions. We're here to help.
With the exception of situations that require acute care (that's our term for visits to the ER at the Western Maryland Health System), most visits to Jane's Place follow the same process.
1. Appointment: One of our partner agencies will contact you by phone to set up an appointment for you and your child. They'll ask if you or child require special considerations (interpreter services, medical services, etc.) to make sure that we are prepared for your visit. You'll be given directions to Jane's Place. (If transportation is an issue, arrangements will be made at this time.) Parking for Jane's Place is located next to our Center.
2. Your Arrival at Jane's Place: You'll be greeted by representatives from our partner-agencies, including investigators and interviewers from Child Protective Services or C3I (Combined County Criminal Investigation unit) when you arrive. You'll be asked to sign in and fill out some necessary paperwork while your child plays or reads in our child-friendly waiting room. Your child's caseworker or interviewer may ask you to meet with him/her privately in our Staff Room to review case details and answer any questions you may have.
3. The Interview Process: Your child will be interviewed in our state-of-the-art Interview Room by a specially trained Forensic Interviewer. Microphones and cameras are hidden from view. Although you won't be able to watch your child's interview, you can be assured that your child will be treated with care and respect during the interview process.
4. Optional Medical Examination: If your child has not received medical treatment at WMHS's ER or your child's pediatrician following an incident of suspected abuse, you may choose to have your child receive a forensic or therapeutic medical exam. The exam is performed by forensic nurse examiner who have been trained to work with child victims of abuse. They'll explain the exam process to you and your child in clear terms. If your child wishes to have you present, you'll be asked to remain in the room for the exam. For more information about med exams, click here.
5. Optional Therapy Services: If you would like your child to receive therapy services at Jane's Place, let your caseworker know. Our staff can coordinate with your child's caseworker and our associated therapists to make those arrangements. For more information about the importance of therapy for child victims, please click here.
6. Next Steps: When you leave Jane's Place, it's important that you understand the next steps in your child's case. You'll be given a packet of information that: provides informational resources for both you and your child. Your caseworker will: (a) review what you've been told, (b) explain what happens next in the investigation process, and (c) offer referrals for follow up care.
With the exception of situations that require acute care (that's our term for visits to the ER at the Western Maryland Health System), most visits to Jane's Place follow the same process.
1. Appointment: One of our partner agencies will contact you by phone to set up an appointment for you and your child. They'll ask if you or child require special considerations (interpreter services, medical services, etc.) to make sure that we are prepared for your visit. You'll be given directions to Jane's Place. (If transportation is an issue, arrangements will be made at this time.) Parking for Jane's Place is located next to our Center.
2. Your Arrival at Jane's Place: You'll be greeted by representatives from our partner-agencies, including investigators and interviewers from Child Protective Services or C3I (Combined County Criminal Investigation unit) when you arrive. You'll be asked to sign in and fill out some necessary paperwork while your child plays or reads in our child-friendly waiting room. Your child's caseworker or interviewer may ask you to meet with him/her privately in our Staff Room to review case details and answer any questions you may have.
3. The Interview Process: Your child will be interviewed in our state-of-the-art Interview Room by a specially trained Forensic Interviewer. Microphones and cameras are hidden from view. Although you won't be able to watch your child's interview, you can be assured that your child will be treated with care and respect during the interview process.
4. Optional Medical Examination: If your child has not received medical treatment at WMHS's ER or your child's pediatrician following an incident of suspected abuse, you may choose to have your child receive a forensic or therapeutic medical exam. The exam is performed by forensic nurse examiner who have been trained to work with child victims of abuse. They'll explain the exam process to you and your child in clear terms. If your child wishes to have you present, you'll be asked to remain in the room for the exam. For more information about med exams, click here.
5. Optional Therapy Services: If you would like your child to receive therapy services at Jane's Place, let your caseworker know. Our staff can coordinate with your child's caseworker and our associated therapists to make those arrangements. For more information about the importance of therapy for child victims, please click here.
6. Next Steps: When you leave Jane's Place, it's important that you understand the next steps in your child's case. You'll be given a packet of information that: provides informational resources for both you and your child. Your caseworker will: (a) review what you've been told, (b) explain what happens next in the investigation process, and (c) offer referrals for follow up care.
