At Wally’s House, children who have experienced abuse, neglect, or witnessed violence come to receive care and support. Our team – made up of healthcare, mental health, law enforcement, child protection, and family advocacy professionals – provide medical exams and forensic interviews in a safe and child-friendly space. Caregivers will leave the center with guidance to support their child’s path towards healing, while also minimizing trauma and focusing on the child’s well-being.
When You Arrive:
You and your child will enter Wally’s House and be greeted by our staff and offered juice, water, and snacks during your time here. There is a comfortable and private play area designed to make you feel welcomed. Before the evaluation begins, you and your child will have the process explained by the evaluation team, medical provider, forensic interviewer, and family advocate.
The Child-Friendly Interview:
Specially trained interviewers, also known as Forensic Interviewers, provide developmentally appropriate interviews for children and adolescents in a safe and neutral environment. The interviews are digitally recorded and are often observed by child protective services and law enforcement. This allows for these professionals to minimize the trauma of duplicative interviews for youth. The child can take a break or end the interview at any time.
The Medical Exam:
Children and adolescents are offered a comprehensive head-to-toe physical exam aimed at evaluating a youth’s health and well-being. This is conducted by a medical provider with specialized training in working with youth who have been abused or neglected. The youth are in
control of the exam, and we encourage them to feel empowered to make their own decisions about their level of participation in the exam.
What Happens Next?
At the conclusion of your time at Wally’s House, our family advocates will help you understand how this experience will impact your child and what you as a caregiver can do to help your child cope and recover. Our advocates have extensive and specialised training to offer emotional support, family education, and referrals to additional resources in the community for ongoing services.