Welcome to Your 1st Visit at Hope House

You and your child have been asked to come to Children’s Advocacy Center – Hope House because child abuse has been suspected and reported, and is now being investigated. The CAC houses the professionals who will help you and your child with the investigation, advocacy, and the healing process.

Discover

What to Expect During Your First Visit

At Hope House, we want to ensure that your first visit is as comfortable and informative as possible. Our dedicated staff will guide you through each step of the process, answering any questions you may have along the way.

Forensic Interview

The first step in the investigation is usually a forensic interview. CAC interviewers are compassionate and highly trained in professional forensic interviewing protocols. They talk to children and teens at their developmental level. Interviews are neutral and child-friendly.

Meeting with a Investigator

You will also meet with an investigator. We work closely with local law enforcement agencies and the Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services to ensure the investigative needs are met for your family.

Therapy, Advocacy, & More

When you come to the CAC Hope House, you’ll learn about other services, like therapy and advocacy, which may help you and your child during this time. Our clinicians are highly trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, an evidence-based treatment designed to significantly reduce the impact of childhood trauma.

Forensic Medical Exam

In some cases, a forensic medical exam will be needed. Forensic medical exams are conducted at the Audrey Hepburn CARE Center in New Orleans. If you are told that your child needs a forensic medical exam, your investigator or advocate will help you schedule an appointment and guide you the process of the forensic medical exam.

Your First Visit: A Detailed Explanation of the Arrival Process

CAC Hope House is based on a nationally recognized model of care. The child advocacy center model has been shown to be a more child-friendly, effective community response to reported child abuse. We ask parents and caregivers about their experience at the center on a regular basis.

Check-in Process

Meet Our Team

Supportive Environment

Testimonials

CAC Hope House is based on a nationally recognized model of care. The child advocacy center model has been shown to be a more child-friendly, effective community response to reported child abuse. We ask parents and caregivers about their experience at the center on a regular basis.

Child Advocacy
Hope House has been a lifeline for my family.

John Doe

CEO, ABC Company

Training
The support we received from Hope House was invaluable.

Jane Smith

Marketing Manager, XYZ Company

Child Advocacy
"I can't thank Hope House enough for their assistance."

Mark Johnson

Founder, ABC Corporation

Child Advocacy
"Hope House truly makes a difference in the community."

Emily Brown

HR Director, XYZ Inc.

Child Advocacy
"The services provided by Hope House are exceptional."

Michael Johnson

COO, ABC Company

Child Advocacy
"Hope House gave me hope and a second chance."

Sarah Thompson

Marketing Director, XYZ Corporation

Training
“ 
I loved the training, protecting kids is the most important thing we can do!
 ”

Anonymous 07

Anonymous

Training
“ 
Awesome training and very enlightening.
 ”

Anonymous 09

Anonymous

Training
“ 
All teachers should take this training!
 ”

Anonymous 08

Anonymous

Child Advocacy
“ 
The staff were so friendly and nice, they answered all of our questions and we knew what to expect.
 ”

Anonymous 04

Anonymous

Training
“ 
Such a great training, I learned so much!
 ”

Anonymous 06

Anonymous

Child Advocacy
“ 
I wish this existed when I was a child.
 ”

Anonymous 03 - Adult

Anonymous

Child Advocacy
“ 
I am so happy that Hope House is here for my child and other children.
 ”

Anonymous 02 - Parent

Anonymous

Child Advocacy
“ 
We felt safe here.
 ”

Anonymous 01 - Child

Anonymous

Child Advocacy
“ 
I was so nervous before we got to Hope House but the staff made me feel comfortable.
 ”

Anonymous 05

Anonymous

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about your first visit to Hope House.

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What will happen to me?
For Kids

We are going to work very hard to make sure that you are safe and that others are safe. We are going to give you a chance to learn about why this happened and what you can do to help yourself feel better.

Will I have to talk to a judge or lawyer?
For Kids

Maybe. We will try very hard to give the courts what they need to solve your case, but it is possible that a judge or an attorney may need to speak with you directly. If that happens we will learn about it in enough time to help you get ready for it and we will be there with you to help you.

Is something wrong with me?
For Kids

There is nothing wrong with you. Everything you are feeling and thinking and doing is because something very upsetting happened to you. In fact, the changes you are going through are very normal because of what happened to you. Other children/teens are having those changes too. The good news is that pretty soon you will feel much better.

Will anyone believe me?
For Kids

YES! There are adults who will believe you and who will help you. Some adults may not want to believe that you have been abused. If an adult tells you to forget about it, tell someone else. Keep Telling Until Someone Listens! Remember, the way to stop abuse is to tell someone. You DO NOT have to keep it a secret!

How can I stop it?
For Kids

The way to stop abuse is to talk about it. Child abuse is against the law. Even if the abuse only happens once or seems like it is over, it is important to tell someone you trust. Child abusers may tell kids that something bad will happen if they ever tell anyone. If the abuser is a family member, kids may be afraid the family will break apart if they tell the secret.

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