What is Philadelphia Children’s Alliance?

I had the honor and privilege to go and learn more about who makes up the Philadelphia Children’s Alliance. It is a nonprofit that is dedicated to supporting children who have been sexually abused and their families. The support that they give is to make sure that the child and their families can begin the journey to wholeness. Even better it is free to families, and they take care of the barriers that exist with services so that money won’t be a hindrance. This allows families to focus on healing. Here is what I learned and ways that we all can support, protect, and more where kids are concerned.

Courtesy of Toi of Toitimeblog

Vulnerability of Children

One thing that many can agree on is that children should be protected. When a child is hurt mentally, physically, and emotionally it hurts the entire family. At the Philadelphia Children’s Alliance, they are encountering children who have been referred in due to the most tragic times of their lives. From sexual abuse to child abuse, to witnessing abuse in the home, they are there. That isn’t always an easy task. Once the family is referred, they begin to discuss and move through the services that they need that are tailored to their specific needs. 

Courtesy of Pexel Pictures

Families are torn apart, trust is broken, healing is essential. Instead of simply focusing on the physical trauma they are committed to helping the child and the family heal the parts you can’t see. Think about just being violated and the messaging it sends to a young child. Now think about the tools that are needed to help validate that this one event or series of events don’t have to define who they are. 

Trust while Getting Services with Philadelphia Children’s Alliance

From the time I walked in you knew that trust and confidentiality was of the essence. They are nestled with the Special Victims’ Unit and Department of Human Services. The good thing about having them all connected is to be able to provide the families with the availability of services without having to go to another location. The child and family are greeted by a skilled Intake Coordinator. Their job is to get the process started, schedule an appointment, and answer all and any questions. No question is off limited. Then there is the Family Advocate. Their job is to make sure that you have all that you need for your journey including referrals for services. If the case goes to court, they become the point of contact for that process.

Courtesy of Philadelphia Children’s Alliance

Uncomfortable Interview

This has to be one of the parts of the process that allows the child to use their voice as much as possible to put into words what they endured. If you have ever been through this process, you know how traumatic it is to relive this moment. So, Philadelphia Children’s Alliance makes sure that the child only has to do it once. They record (all with permission) the encounter for legal purposes so that it only has to be done one time. Parents who bring their children in are aware and give permission for the recording before hand.

Medical Exam room Courtesy of Philadelphia Children’s Alliance

There is a Forensic Interviewer. They are trained in how to approach the difficulty questions while being sensitive to the child’s needs. In addition, while the Forensic Interviewer is doing their work, the room itself is child appropriate with brightness and has things that kids would need to make themselves comfortable.

Medical Exam

To do a physical exam or not is one of the questions that people would think of. It helps to collect evidence, document the injuries, and assess and treat sexually transmitted diseases. This again along with the Family Advocate is discussed on whether it is medically necessary.

In addition, they also just perform a full check up on the child. This is to make sure that all health has been addressed. Kids knowing that they are healthy is a part of the healing journey. The Family Advocate helps families talk through the process. This is a better solution than a child having to go to an emergency room. The room has caring doctors who are trained to help make it as comfortable as possible.

A Few Notes that Stuck Out during my Visit

• This is not just for Philly residents but for those who the offense happened in Philadelphia too
• Unfortunately, there are at least 2000 cases that are reported per year
• Philadelphia has the only bilingual Human Traffic Coordinator on staff 
• They have a well staff mental health team that also has about 20-25 mental health partners throughout all Philadelphia
• Barriers such as transportation to appointments, therapy, court, etc. will never be a barrier as it’s all free and set up for families. 
• All rooms including the waiting room are designed to look like a fun doctor’s office. It has children in mind with colors and more to help them be more at ease.

Courtesy of Pexel Photos

Ways that we can support Philadelphia Children’s Alliance

In a world that seems to get more and more troubled it’s sad that we need an organization such as PCA. However, having it means that families are going through these violations alone and without support. So, we can help with their causes. One way is of course through donations. No donation is too small to help children get back on their healing journey. One other fun way is to get tickets to the 2024 Bear Affair. Every child and their siblings when they arrive at PCA receive a bear and a book. Violations don’t just hurt the child but the siblings too in that they need just as much comfort. 

The PCA Bear Affair 

A bear or stuffed animal provides comfort. Their softness helps give kids a small space to land. At The Bear Affair happening May 2nd from 6-9 in the Hyundai Club at the Lincoln Financial Field. Each ticket includes parking, food, drinks, a silent auction, and some special guests. It will be a great way to have fun and raise money as it’s their biggest fundraiser.

 

No child should have to endure some of the stories that I was told (name changed and identities concealed fyi) but if there was a way to help families this would be it. I am honored to help with this cause. One day I will speak about my own personal reasons for doing so. For now, let’s help the babies heal. Thank you to Philadelphia Children’s Alliance for taking me on a short tour to understand how valuable these services are. Follow them on their socials to keep up to date. I will be sharing all kinds of informative information on what caregivers can do to protect the children in their care.