The Cottage is an accredited member of the National Children’s Alliance and Children’s Advocacy Centers of Georgia. The Cottage provides services to all victims of child abuse including physical abuse, sexual abuse, witness to domestic violence and witness to a homicide. All of the services provided by The Cottage are free of charge to the victim and their caregivers.

Services are available to individuals who live in and/or were assaulted in Athens-Clarke County in the state of Georgia. The Cottage will assist survivors outside of these jurisdictions with finding local resources for their areas.

Services provided for teens:

  1. Forensic Interview 

  2. Medical Accompaniment 

  3. Advocacy

  4. Referrals

  5. Counseling

  6. Victim’s Assistance Program (VAP)

  7. Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

  8. Children’s Support Group 

  9. Teen Support Group 

  10. Non-Offending Caregiver (NOC) Support Group 

What is this service? 

Forensic Interview

Forensic Interviews are only conducted at the request of Law Enforcement or The Department of Family and Children Services in the response to child abuse allegations. Forensic Interviews are only conducted by professionals trained to interview teens regarding abusive situations.

Medical Accompaniment

Forensic Medical Exams may be requested when a teen discloses sexual abuse. The Forensic Medical Exams are conducted by trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners through Athens-Clarke County Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (ACC-SANE). A member of The Cottage staff provides assistance and support to the teen and caregiver during the exam.

Advocacy

Staff members of The Cottage provide crisis counseling during an intervention around child abuse disclosures which may include an investigation. Support and resources are provided to the teen and caregiver to ensure all the child and family needs are met. Continued contact may be made to ensure stability and safety of the child. Staff members may also offer support and accompaniment to the child and caregivers throughout the judicial process.

Referrals

Referrals to community agencies to assist clients and their families with counseling, food, housing and other needs.

Counseling

The Cottage provides counseling referrals and pays for counseling for victims of child abuse. The Cottage provides therapeutic treatment free of charge to all child clients.

Victim’s Assistance Program

The Victim’s Assistance Program (VAP) is available to child victims of sexual abuse, physical abuse, or witnesses to domestic violence and/or a violent crime. Currently, VAP referrals are accepted from law enforcement, DFCS, The Cottage, and other relevant agencies. VAP services are available for both the victim and other family members, and may include an assessment, crisis intervention, psychoeducation, processing of trauma and referral information. The Victims Assistance Program is available due to collaboration with Family Counseling Services of Athens, Inc.

Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is an evidence-based treatment to help children and adolescents recover from trauma. It is a structured model that effectively improves a range of trauma related outcomes in 8-25 sessions with the child and caregiver. TF-CBT primarily reduces symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). TF-CBT is available to child victim’s ages 3 to 17 years of age who have experienced a single event trauma or complex trauma. This may include child victims of sexual assault, physical abuse, and/or witness to domestic violence or a violent crime.

Teen Support Group

A support group for teens 13-17 who are survivors of child sexual abuse. Teen group focuses on self-esteem building, healthy relationships, gaining a sense of community and skills for growth, and helping teens access their own strength and courage to claim a healthy and positive future.

Caregiver Support Group

A support group offered to all parents and caregivers of children and teens who have experienced sexual abuse. This group educates, supports and empowers the non-offending caregiver in order for them to have the skills and knowledge to help their children heal from abusive experiences.

Child abuse investigations are conducted by a team of professionals called a Multi-Disciplinary Team. The Multi-Disciplinary Team approach is to ensure every child in the service area is protected and all their needs are met.

Please contact The Cottage hotline if you or someone you know may be interested in any teen services provided by The Cottage.