Nancy J. Cotterman Center

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1 Nancy J. Cotterman Center FY16-17 Report to the Community YEARS Nancy J. Cotterman Center Helping Victims of Sexual Assault and Child Abuse

About Us The Nancy J. Cotterman Center (NJCC) is a place of healing where victims of sexual violence and physical abuse are believed and supported as they begin their journey to becoming survivors.

2 About Us The Nancy J. Cotterman Center (NJCC) is a place of healing where victims of sexual violence and physical abuse are believed and supported as they begin their journey to becoming survivors. Serving victims of sexual abuse and child abuse since 1977, NJCC is Broward County s only certified Rape Crisis Program and accredited Child Advocacy Center. NJCC provides support, advocacy, helpline, crisis response, crisis assessment, forensic examinations, sexually transmitted illness testing, basic needs, information and referrals, sexual battery relocation, court accompany, expert witness testimony, and therapy. In 2016, the Center served more than 4,500 victims of abuse, providing healing, justice, and trust for victims and their families. We also provided 73 community presentations on sexual violence and child abuse awareness education, and delivered 5,623 sessions of evidence-based interventions to the children and families served by the center. What do we do? To understand what NJCC does, you must understand what our clients would face if NJCC did not exist. Without NJCC, countless children may end up having to tell the worst story of his or her life over and over again, to doctors, police, lawyers, therapists, investigators, judges and others. Adult victims of sexual assault would wait long hours for forensic exams and evidence collection at hospital Emergency Rooms. The chain of evidence would be disrupted and many cases would not go through the judiciary process. Victims may not get the help they need to heal once the investigation is over, either. The Broward County community would be at a great loss without a certified rape treatment center and the trained professionals skilled in working with survivors of sexual violence. Survivors of sexual violence would be denied their legal rights to have the support of a trained counselor and advocate for all needs related to traumatic experiences. Victims and supportive family members would have no support and no voice to advocate for their rights. The long-term effects of this is detrimental as the negative effects of sexual violence can have disastrous and perhaps fatal consequences. 1 Broward County Human Services - Nancy J. Cotterman Center

3 Our Services NJCC serves a vital role in Broward County. Through its four direct services units the agency provides support and advocacy for all survivors of sexual violence and child abuse ranging from newborns to the elderly. Child Protection Team The NJCC is home to the Broward County Child Protection Team (CPT), a statewide statutorily mandated program to supplement the child protective investigations by providing multidisciplinary medically focused assessment services and recommendations for children and families involved in child abuse and neglect investigations. Crisis Unit Everyone who comes into contact with the Crisis Unit receives compassionate care from a highly trained advocate. The Crisis Unit is available 24/7, and a survivor can always access a live person regardless of the time they call. The Crisis Unit serves as a resource to law enforcement partners, who often call for guidance regarding their cases of sexual abuse/sexual assault. For victims who do not make it to our door, the Crisis Unit has created collaborations with law enforcement partners, to review all reported cases of sexual violence and make contact to offer services. The Crisis Unit collaborates with the Child Protection Team to receive and triage cases from the Broward Sheriff s Office s Child Protective Investigations Section, and assists in coordinating services for children who may have been abused. For all other child abuse cases that the Child Protection Team is not involved with, the Crisis Unit provides the support and services for the family, including forensic interviews, assessment for information and referrals to community partners, and advocacy services. Ultimately, these services are essential to the law enforcement investigation and successful prosecution. All members of the Crisis Unit are certified by the Attorney General s Office (AG) to complete and submit applications for relocation assistance for survivors of sexual violence and human trafficking, as well as for people seeking to be part of the AG s Address Confidentiality Program. The entire Crisis Unit team targets special and underserved populations in the community with the goal of providing information, education and, hopefully, preventing sexual violence in the community. 2 Broward County Human Services - Nancy J. Cotterman Center

Counseling Unit The NJCC Counseling Unit is the premier section providing individual, family and group counseling services for survivors of child abuse, sexual violence and their non-offending family

4 Counseling Unit The NJCC Counseling Unit is the premier section providing individual, family and group counseling services for survivors of child abuse, sexual violence and their non-offending family members, at no cost to the family. There is no other agency in Broward County that offers these services at no cost to families. No cost to clients for services ensures that all members in the community have access to these essential services, regardless of income. Comprised of licensed, and license-eligible clinicians, the Counseling Unit professionals have extensive experience in working with trauma. The Counseling team is trained in evidence based techniques like Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Forensic Interviews, and Extended Forensic Interviews. Services are provided to assist clients in healing and moving beyond trauma and when requested in collaboration with partners as essential members of a multidisciplinary team working collectively to investigate allegations of child maltreatment and exploitation. Services are offered in Spanish, Creole and French and sessions are available 9AM to 8PM Monday through Thursday and also on Fridays and Saturdays 9AM to 5PM. Medical Services Unit The Medical Services Unit provides critical medical services, assessments, provides prophylaxis for sexually transmitted infections, and evidence collection for the well-being of victims of sexual violence and child abuse. The medical team also serves as expert witness in criminal and dependency court impacting prosecution of cases and ensuring child and community welfare. The medical providers are also key partners in collaborating with case coordinators, victim advocates, law enforcement, state attorney s office and other stakeholders to determine the next plan of action to benefit survivors. 3 Broward County Human Services - Nancy J. Cotterman Center

5 Helping the Community Heal from Abuse In FY 16-17, NJCC served more than 4,500 clients with one or more services: Child Protection Team Unit: 3,528 initial intakes received and assessed; 2,391 children alleged to be abused initiated services, and 3,338 assessment services provided. Crisis Unit: 19,266 episodes of services (includes 415 adults and children from the Counseling Unit). Medical Services Unit: 1,273 medical exams: 1,079 children and 194 adults served. 745 elementary school children benefitted from sexual abuse awareness education using the Lauren s Kids Curriculum Strategic Goals: >> Ensure efficient quality delivery of program services that are consistent with best standards of care and state and national protocols. >> Ensure affordability of program activities with the budget macro-economic constraints. >> Efficient budget execution for all funds. >> Meet all contract performance measures to ensure continued funding. >> Enhance collaboration between Child Protection Team and Broward Sheriff s Office-Child Protective Investigations Section. >> Develop a complete new medical services unit. >> Provide training and professional development to ensure 24/7 coverage and response. >> Continue process of Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy certification for all therapists. >> Provide therapeutic group counseling for survivors of sexual violence. >> Create a strong, recognizable brand for NJCC as the undisputed authority and local and state leader serving, educating, and responding to victims of trauma/abuse. >> Increase community outreach and education on sexual violence with emphasis on underserved populations. >> Increase sexual abuse education to elementary school students via the Lauren s Kids child sexual abuse prevention curriculum and expand to new schools. >> Collaborate with the City of Miramar and the City of Hallandale to expand services to satellite locations. >> Develop a coordinated system of care for victims of human trafficking. 4 Broward County Human Services - Nancy J. Cotterman Center

NJCC Overall Budget FY 2016-2017 NJCC Expenses FY 2016-2017 FNCAC-Florida Network of

6 NJCC Financials NJCC s fiscal sustainability is assured by intergrated funding from various sources. NJCC Overall Budget FY NJCC Expenses FY FNCAC-Florida Network of Children s Advocacy Centers FCASV-Florida Council Against Sexual Violence (FCASV) DOH-Department of Health Total - $3.7M 5 Broward County Human Services - Nancy J. Cotterman Center

Community Impact Enhanced Quality of Life Thousands of community residents have an improved quality of life because of the services received from NJCC.

7 Community Impact Enhanced Quality of Life Thousands of community residents have an improved quality of life because of the services received from NJCC. We serve patients of all ages and our focus is to engage them and develop a sense that they are valuable and are believed. We strive to provide the best and most compassionate care possible throughout all units. The Medical Unit is integral because we document injuries that are necessary to be noted so that changes can take place in the lives of our patients. The Medical Unit is a liaison between law enforcement and the court system. We help to unravel the medical findings and explain them in terms easily understood by all disciplines involved in the multidisciplinary team. Expert testimony and documentation provided by medical staff impact disposition of dependency and criminal cases which ensure community and child safety. The medical exams provided to individuals who have been victimized provides the first step in the recovery process. Child abuse assessments are completed to provide and guide recommendations for services and to ameliorate risk. Safe, Supportive Environment The Crisis Unit team creates a safe environment where survivors feel safe to share their stories and seek help, and ensure all clients are guided to needed services. A Family Advocate meets with everyone who comes into NJCC to assess their needs, explain our services and provide support during their crisis. The Crisis Unit never turns anyone away regardless of where they live, time or place of traumatic event, whether their incident was reported or not, or if they aren t the primary victim. For clients who choose to report victimization to law enforcement, the Crisis Unit serves as a liaison with law enforcement, thus increasing the likelihood of the survivor s continued collaboration with the investigation and successful prosecution with the ultimate goal of ensuring the safety of the community. The Crisis Unit also provides presentations to law enforcement in order to increase their awareness and sensitivity when working with survivors of sexual violence. 6 Broward County Human Services - Nancy J. Cotterman Center

8 Affordable Treatment Broward County residents are better off because of the services provided. From students who learn basic body rights and safety in order to prevent child sexual abuse, to clients who have already experienced sexual violence, each is positively impacted by the role the Counseling Unit plays into the continuum of care provided at NJCC. Prevention is key, but having access to affordable treatment after a traumatic incident is also crucial to the recovery of our children and families. The Counseling Unit offers survivors therapeutic options to reclaim their lives and heal. Education and Outreach The NJCC team understands the impact that sexual violence and child abuse has on the community overall, and one need not be victimized in order to feel the negative impact. Over the past year, NJCC continued to build awareness of its programs and services while educating residents about the impact of sexual violence on victims and their families. Collaborated with Lauren s Kids and the Florida Council Against Sexual Violence to raise awareness of sexual violence by hosting a week-long Shoe Project display within the State Capitol rotunda. The project embodied the experience of sexual assault survivors by displaying their stories which were attached to the shoes of children, mothers, sisters, partners, brothers, sons, daughters, friends and neighbors. Made strides regarding human trafficking by building collaborations and a system of care in the community and taking the lead in improving services for this population. Launched the We Believe You! advertising and promotional campaign to coincide with Sexual Assault Awareness and Child Abuse Month. The program communicated that NJCC is there for the victim as a source of support and comfort without question. Broward County Transit buses were wrapped with the powerful message that was visible throughout the County. Hosted a free public screening of the documentary I am Jane Doe, a poignant film about the epic battle that several mothers are waging on behalf of their middle-school daughters who are victims of sex trafficking. This was the first time the film was ever shown to the public in Broward County. This horrific crime is happening in our own backyard with Florida ranking third nationwide for human trafficking. 7 Broward County Human Services - Nancy J. Cotterman Center

9 Client Stories NJCC changes the lives of those who have received assistance. Here are a few of their stories: Child Protection Team A child presented with significant burns after being seen at a local hospital. As a result of our medical examination and assessments, we recommended that the child go to Kendall Regional Medical Center. The child went to Kendall Regional, was admitted and received the medical care needed for burns. Medical Services Unit A brave young woman reported being a victim of human trafficking and reported that she had been taken to multiple states and forced to engage in many sexual acts so much so, that she could not even recall all of the incidents. She is one of thousands of women, girls, men and boys forced into modern slavery. The slave trade is far from over it is alive and well. These are people who have no voice because they are anonymously being traded online and are moved from state to state. This story brings to full awareness that we are engaged in a battle to combat human trafficking. The woman seen was deeply troubled and traumatized. These victims of human trafficking not only need our medical evaluations, but benefit from the counseling and therapy that is offered at NJCC. Counseling Unit Every year, the Counseling Unit at the NJCC provides supportive counseling services to hundreds of individuals and families affected by sexual violence. In August of 2016, a young man in his mid-thirties decided to seek counseling services at NJCC due to childhood sexual abuse. This young man was sexually molested and raped between the ages of 10 and 13 by his 16-year-old male cousin. He never sought help for the abuse and kept it secret for 21 years. Prior to treatment at NJCC, this man had a history of substance abuse, anger management issues and intimacy issues. He often felt scared, ashamed, sad, angry and frustrated. His treatment at NJCC 8 Broward County Human Services - Nancy J. Cotterman Center

empowered him to explore his feelings regarding the sexual abuse, learn new coping skills, and educate other family members about his experience.

10 empowered him to explore his feelings regarding the sexual abuse, learn new coping skills, and educate other family members about his experience. His courage to be vocal about his sexual abuse has led various family members, friends and colleagues to disclose their own history of abuse. In April of 2017, he celebrated Sexual Assault Awareness Month by creating a display about sexual violence at his work place. He was also interviewed by a local radio station about sexual abuse prevention. He volunteered to share his experience with a local Spanish language television news station, as he wanted to provide encouragement to other male survivors of sexual abuse. He often credits NJCC for his ability to continue his healing process, as he is now able to become an advocate for survivors of sexual violence. Crisis Unit We provided services to a 42-year-old female with cerebral palsy and a mild developmental delay. She had been reporting sexual abuse by a family member multiple times, but detectives struggled to contact her to get a statement. When the detectives finally made contact, she reported that she had been sexually assaulted the day before. She was brought into NJCC for a sexual assault examination. The survivor kept repeating that she was so grateful NJCC staff believed her and how relieved she was to finally be believed. Our statement of We believe you! meant so much to her. Call to Action NJCC provides safety, support, and quality services at a time when adults and children are most vulnerable. The culture of rape and violence must be changed so that survivors feel they have a voice and know that rape and abuse are never okay. More awareness and education is needed and we must find a way to reach the many adult and child survivors, so that they can come forward and report this crime. Prevention is key, but NJCC provides the path to healing and hope. For more information, follow us on Facebook and visit our website at Broward.org/NancyJCottermanCenter. If you or someone you love is a victim of sexual violence and/or child abuse, contact us at (except for Sunday). Our sexual assault helpline, is available 24/7. 9 Broward County Human Services - Nancy J. Cotterman Center

SPEAK OUT FOR CHILDREN A Poem by Jean Warren Come let us gather together. Come let us speak now as one. Speak for the rights of the children. Speak out the needs to be done.

Come first in each thought and each plan. Speak for a world where the children. Have rights no matter the land.

11 SPEAK OUT FOR CHILDREN A Poem by Jean Warren Come let us gather together. Come let us speak now as one. Speak for the rights of the children. Speak out the needs to be done. Speak for the hearts that are hungry. Speak for the hearts that are sad. Speak for each child a beginning. That futures a heart ever glad. Speak for a world where the children. Come first in each thought and each plan. Speak for a world where the children. Have rights no matter the land. Come, let us ring out our voices, Come, stand together and say Each child has the right to a future! Each voice can help light the way! Jean Warren Warren Publishing House Nancy J. Cotterman Center 400 NE 4th Street Fort Lauderdale, Florida Broward.org/NancyJCottermanCenter Phone: Human Services Department Community Partnerships This publication can be made available in alternative formats upon request by contact or (TTY) A SERVICE OF THE BROWARD COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS 200 copies of this public document were promulgated at a cost of $332.00, and $1.66, per copy to inform the public about services provided by Broward County. CP /18

Healing, Justice, & Trust

Healing, Justice, & Trust A National Report on Outcomes for Children's Advocacy Centers 2016 1 National Children s Alliance Healing, Justice, & Trust - A National Report on Outcomes for Children s Advocacy