Special Programs

Children's Advocacy Center

SAINT

Healthy Kids

Parenting Project

THE CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY CENTER
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The Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) is a program which provides a neutral, child-friendly setting for children where they can be interviewed about reports of child abuse, particularly sexual abuse, have forensic medical examinations and receive appropriate therapeutic services. The CAC offers a coordinated, multi-disciplinary approach involving police, prosecutors, child protective workers, therapist and medical personnel working together as a team.

SAINT
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SAINT (Sexual Abuse INvestigative Team) was opened on the Child Haven campus in 1990 to provide a multi-disciplinary and child-friendly approach in investigating sexual abuse. This special collaborative team provides forensic interviews, medical examinations and therapeutic services to child victims of sexual abuse and assault. An estimated 500 children and their families receive services each year through SAINT. Members of the team represent:

• Law Enforcement
• District Attorney's office
• Child Protective Services
• Medical personnel
• Mental health counselors

The goal of SAINT is to reduce the trauma to child victims of sexual abuse by:

• Providing a non-threatening site for interviews and medical examinations
• Reducing the number of interviewers who question the child
• Conducting forensic medical examinations
• Providing crisis intervention, short term counseling referrals for long term therapy

SAINT is housed in the Children's Advocacy Center. Children are brought to the Center by members of the SAINT team where they are greeted by staff or volunteers in a toy- filled play area.

There are two age-appropriate interview rooms with one-way mirrors, which allow for observation of the interviews by appropriate professionals. The rooms are also equipped for audio and videotaping.

Forensic medical exams are conducted in a brightly decorated examining room by specially trained practitioners. Therapeutic assistance for victims and family members is available.

In 1994, SAINT was accepted as a full member of the National Children's Alliance. In 1999, the SAINT team was honored by the State of Nevada General Attorney for outstanding victim assistance program in the county. The SAINT Team volunteers received the JC Penney Golden Rule Award.

HEALTHY KIDS
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HEALTHY KIDS is a collaborative effort with the Clark County Health District, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and the Nevada Division of Child and Family Services. A general health screening is provided to children moving into foster homes who have been cared for at the County emergency shelter for abused and neglected children.

The staff person at the CAC:

• Interviews family members, caseworkers and teachers for health and social history
• Schedules the examinations
• Assists the medical provider in conducting the exams
• Creates the Health and Education Passport which will follow the child and facilitate better access to services

PARENTING PROJECT
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Chasque por favor el acoplamiento para la informacin sobre el proyecto de crianza de los ninos en espanol. (espaÑol)

The Parenting Project offers a series of free programs to help parents be more effective in raising their children. The following programs are offered at various locations throughout Clark County.

BabyCare (for expecting or new parents with children ages birth to 6 months)

The BabyCare program is packed with need-to know information for expecting or new parents. This fun and interactive program helps parents or caregivers learn and practice baby care skills including how to nurture, feed, bathe, diaper, dress, care for and play with infants. In this five-week program, parents learn about infant safety, nutrition, health, early development, behavior guidance and choosing child care.

Nurturing Parents and Families (for parents of children ages 6 months to 5 years-old)

The Nurturing Parents and Families program promotes positive, healthy and nurturing interactions between parents and their infants, toddlers and preschool children. Developmental stages of children from infancy through preschool are presented. Parents will learn stress management techniques, how to establish routines and handle anger. Problem-solving techniques and appropriate behavior management methods are presented and practiced during this six-week program. Available in Spanish.

ABCs of Parenting (for parents of children ages 5 to 10 years-old)

The ABCs of Parenting is a fun and interactive program that helps parents of school-age children gain an understanding of their childrens development and behavior. Parents learn how to communicate effectively with their children, encourage better behavior, use positive discipline techniques and teach responsibility. This five-week program shows parents how to help children succeed in school and solve problems. Parents will also learn how to manage stress and anger and talk to their children about drugs, alcohol and other issues. Available in Spanish.

ParenTeen Solutions (for parents and youth 11 to 17 years-old)

ParenTeen Solutions is designed to maximize family strengths and reduce behavioral problems in youth. Youth 11 to 17 years-old attend this six-week program with their parents to promote communication and trust. Parents learn the importance of clear rules and consistent supervision and how to practice a positive approach to discipline that teaches self-responsibility. Parents and youth participate in problem-solving, conflict resolution and asset-building activities designed to promote a nurturing and supportive family environment. Available in Spanish.

ParenTeen Connections (for parents and youth 11 to 17 years-old)

ParenTeen Connections is a six-week program that gets parents and teens talking and working together to help teens move successfully through the important steps from teenager to young adult. Families will learn and practice new skills including: identifying risks and work together to solve problems, relating to each other and family bonding, making family rules and letting everyone contribute.

Blended Families (for parents and step parents with children of all ages)

Blended families face unique challenges. This program will assist parents and stepparents in understanding the challenges and opportunities presented when forming a blended family and will offer practical techniques to help build a healthy and nurturing stepfamily. Topics include: stepfamily myths, tackling the challenges of combining families, having realistic expectations, developing positive communication skills, establishing a behavior management plan, managing family conflict and supporting the positive growth and development of their children (whether they are his, hers or theirs). This is a four-week program.

PARENTING PROJECT
Cambridge Community Center
3900 Cambridge St.  #203
Las Vegas, NV 89119
(702) 455-5295 Fax: (702) 455-8699

Classes are free
To register call the Parenting Project at 455-5295