Services & Programs
Our Approach
Safe Passage is at the center of an inter-agency collaborative effort that minimizes the trauma to victims of child abuse by centralizing services in one, child-friendly location. We act as Team Leader, coordinating the responses of our Team Partners in the medical, investigative, social service, legal, and mental health arenas. This holistic approach keeps investigations child-focused and insures that children and caregivers receive the broadest range of support in the least intrusive manner possible.
Annually Safe Passage serves more than 1000 children and non-offending caregivers in the midst of abuse investigations. Safe Passage serves El Paso and Teller Counties as well as referrals from additional counties throughout Colorado. The services outlined below are always provided free of charge.
How We Can Help
Forensic Interviews
On-site forensic interviews are performed by specially trained interviewers skilled at working with children. Interviews are digitally recorded for use by involved Partner Agencies and to minimize children's trauma by avoiding the need for multiple interviews of victims.
Forensic Medical Exams
When needed, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) provide on-site forensic medical exams. These exams, and the evidence they often reveal, can be key in the investigation and prosecution of abuse. Providing exams in the comforting environment at Safe Passage helps reduce stress and trauma for children and their caregivers.
Victim Advocacy
Family Support Advocates provide immediate crisis intervention and referrals to community resources as needed. These services are ongoing and available to victims and cargivers even after the investigatory/judicial processes are complete.
Court Preparation and Accompaniment
The goal of the Court Preparation program is to educate child victims and their caregivers about the judicial process. Children receive court preparation and caregivers are offered court-orientation sessions. Should a victim be called on to testify, his/her Family Support Advocate will be with the child in the courtroom.
Educational Support Groups
Safe Passage also offers the following psycho-educational support groups for victims and their non-offending caregivers:
- 7-Week Teen Group (for victims aged 13 to 18)
- 7-Week Non-Offending Parents/Caregivers Support Groups
- Continuing Hope Monthly Support Group (for caregivers who have completed the 7-week course)
Training for Professionals
Safe Passage coordinates a variety of training opportunities that build competency and awareness for professionals working with victims of abuse, and for mandatory reporters in both religious organizations and schools. Check our training calendar for upcoming opportunities.
The first step is often the hardest. Safe Passage is here to help.
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