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

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

Anonymous 04

Anonymous

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

Anonymous 03 - Adult

Anonymous

Training
“ 
Awesome training and very enlightening.
 ”

Anonymous 09

Anonymous

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

Anonymous 02 - Parent

Anonymous

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

Anonymous 05

Anonymous

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

Anonymous 06

Anonymous

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

Anonymous 07

Anonymous

Training
“ 
All teachers should take this training!
 ”

Anonymous 08

Anonymous

Child Advocacy
“ 
We felt safe here.
 ”

Anonymous 01 - Child

Anonymous

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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Will I get a call when the person is arrested?
For Kids

Yes, during the family intake process, the parent will fill out a form from LA VINE that is a process that makes sure you are kept up on what is happening to the offender and decisions that are made.

What is the number to DCFS? / How do I report abuse?
For Kids

DCFS Hotline – 855-452-5437. You can also find more info on how to report abuse here.

What should I do if I think a child is being abused?
For Caregivers

Reports of suspected child abuse or neglect should be made to Department of Children and Family Services, contact 1-855-4LA-KIDS (1-855-452-5437) toll-free, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Reports can also be made to your local police department/sheriff’s office in your parish.

Can I bring my child directly to the CAC if I suspect he/she has been abused?
For Caregivers

No. Any time an allegation of abuse occurs, law enforcement or Department of Children and Family Services must be involved. If you suspect your child has been abused, the first step is to make a report to DCFS and to law enforcement. The CAC does not actually investigate the alleged abuse. We simply provide the services to most accurately collect the evidence for an investigation. Therefore, we cannot interview or examine children without the coordinated approach of the multidisciplinary team, which will be law enforcement, DCFS or both agencies working together.

How can I prepare my child for a CAC interview?
For Caregivers

Do:

  • Tell your child he or she will be visiting a safe, comfortable place to speak with a person whose job it is to talk with kids and teenagers.
  • Have your child be well rested.
  • Give your child permission to talk with the interviewer and let him or her know it is OK to talk about anything.

Don’t:

  • Ask your child questions about the situation .
  • Tell your child what to say.
  • Promise treats or rewards to your child for talking.
  • Ask why your child didn’t tell sooner.
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