Children's Advocacy Center
As a certified Children’s Advocacy Center, we are specially trained to care for the youngest of survivors.
As a Children’s Advocacy Center, we are dedicated to supporting our youngest abuse survivors with specialized care. Our approach is collaborative, aligning with child abuse protocols in Gwinnett and Rockdale Counties. We bring together law enforcement, child protective services, legal professionals, medical and mental health experts, and advocates all under one roof at Mosaic Georgia. This unified team works together to minimize additional stress and trauma for the child and their family during an inquiry or investigation.
Mosaic Georgia offers a secure and child-friendly space for children who have experienced sexual assault or abuse or witnessed violence. Our focus is always on the child’s safety and well-being.
Mosaic Georgia is also part of the Statewide CSEC Response Team, aiming to improve the lives of child and youth victims of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. We collaborate closely with government agencies and law enforcement to advocate for these youth.
CSEC Advocacy
Commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) is big business. CSEC refers to a range of crimes and activities involving sexual abuse or exploitation of a minor by a third party for financial gain or some other form of compensation. Child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) distributed on-line or in person and trafficking for sexual purposes are the most common abuses. Our advocates provide intensive case management to youth and their families, conduct specialized assessments, facilitate safety planning, and offer CSEC specific interventions. Our advocates also provide appropriate referrals and resources to help meet the needs of the family.
Support for the Child/Youth:
Children have the support of a child advocate before, during, and after any medical exams and before and after forensic interviews. We also provide trauma support and mental health services as needed.
Support for Parents/Guardians:
Discovering your child may have been abused or exploited can be overwhelming. Our family advocates are here to support non-offending caregivers with information and assistance during and after your child’s appointments.
What You Can Expect at Our Center:
- Playroom: A clean and inviting space filled with toys, games, books, and magazines suitable for all ages, genders, developmental stages, and backgrounds. Safety is our priority, so while children are never left unattended, a video camera adds an extra layer of security.
- Forensic Interviews: In a calm, private room trained interviewers ask open, non-leading questions, allowing children to share their experiences. Interviews can be monitored by law enforcement or child services through a camera and microphone, ensuring transparency and safety.
- Medical Exams: Conducted by specialists trained in pediatric sexual assault care, these exams are gentle and respectful. The SANE checks for any injuries, documents findings, and provides necessary medical care, prioritizing the child’s physical and emotional well-being. The child’s advocate accompanies them in the exam to ensure their comfort and support.
- Family Advocacy: We offer parents and guardians support through the challenges that come with the disclosure of abuse. Our advocates create a confidential environment for you to share concerns, get answers, and connect with resources both immediately and in the long term.
CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTER FAQ
What are signs of possible child sexual abuse?
Behavioral Signs
- Sleep disturbances (such as nightmares, fear of the dark or trouble sleeping)
- Excessive or compulsive masturbation
- Fear or dislike of certain people or places
- Extreme changes in behavior
- Regression to infantile behavior (such as bedwetting or thumb sucking)
- Detachment from others, depression or withdrawal
- Age inappropriate interest in sexual matters, such as simulating sex with dolls or asking other children to behave sexually (What is age appropriate sexual development?)
- Sudden mood swings (such as rage, fear, anger or withdrawal)
Physical Signs
- Abdominal pain or unexplained stomach illness
- Loss of appetite or trouble eating or swallowing
- Unexplained bruises, pain, bleeding or redness on the child’s genitals or anus
- Sudden weight loss or gain
- Frequent vaginal infections or irritations
- Difficulty with bowel movements or urination
If you have any questions about these signs, please contact Mosaic Georgia at 866-900-6019 to speak with a trained advocate.
If you know a child or have a suspicion that a child has been victimized by child sexual abuse, call your local law enforcement agency at 911 or local child protective services (in Gwinnett County, Georgia – Gwinnett County Department of Family and Children’s Services at 678-518-5500).
How can I protect my child?
When we become parents, we see the world through the eyes of a protector. While we can’t control the rest of the world, we can focus on developing open communication and trust with our children.
Children are exposed to much more visual stimulation and information at earlier ages through access to tablets, smart phones, computers, and video games. Even if your child has limited access to media, others may be exposed to explicit images including pornography.
- Educate yourself. Know the warning signs for child sexual abuse.
- Speak up if you notice behavioral signals that an adult or older child may exhibit problematic sexual behavior.
- Trust your instincts. Gut feelings are easy to ignore, but if something doesn’t feel right, don’t put your child at risk.
- Be comfortable talking with your child using proper anatomy terms like penis, breast, labia, and vagina. It is easier for children to talk about an inappropriate and uncomfortable situation.
- Teach your child to feel good about themselves just as they are.
- Avoid secrets. Teach your child that no one should tell them to keep a secret. Secrets about touching are not okay. Let them know that even if someone says that telling a secret will get your child or parent in trouble or hurt, your child should tell you.
- Teach your child the difference between “Ok” touch and “Not ok” touch. They have the right to say “no.”
- Teach your child that their “No” will be respected. If a child is uncomfortable with a relative’s kiss or hug, let them shake hands instead.
- Build trust. Make sure your child knows that they can rely on you to believe them and protect them.
- Develop a plan. Make sure your child knows what to do and who to talk to if they are sexually touched or threatened. Who are trusted adults they can talk to? Know how to report the abuse – call 911 for local law enforcement.