SungateKids

Background Statement

SungateKids was formed in response to a 1989 survey of state, county and municipal agencies throughout the 18th Judicial District, which is comprised of Arapahoe, Douglas, Lincoln and Elbert Counties. The survey found that children who suffer abuse are often re-victimized by the system itself. A child abuse victim may be interviewed and re-interviewed by law enforcement, social services, doctors and attorneys. Those surveyed expressed an overwhelming desire to improve and coordinate the delivery of services so as to minimize the trauma to child victims and help them begin the process of recovery. In 1991, a group of concerned citizens, agency representatives and community volunteers led by former District Attorney Robert R. Gallagher, Jr. formed Children's Advocacy and Family Resources Inc. (CAFR) which is a Colorado not-for-profit organization. In January 1996, CAFR's main facility, SungateKids began operations.

Now more than two decades later, our concerns remain the same and our numbers continue to grow. In 1996, we served just under 200 children. Currently, SungateKids conducts over 650 interviews and provides ancillary services and ongoing support to over 1,200 children and their non-offending family members. We educate more than 8,500 students annually about abuse prevention. Our programs include the following:

Investigative Interviews: On-site Forensic Interviewers with extensive experience and expertise in interviewing child victims of abuse available to conduct interviews for agency personnel; safe, homelike atmosphere to benefit young child victims and enhance multi-agency investigations.

Family Advocacy: Family Support Coordinators are automatically assigned to a child victim brought to SungateKids for investigative interview to provide assistance and support throughout investigative process, and during all subsequent civil and criminal proceedings.

Therapeutic Support Services: On-site support groups for children and youth who have experienced sexual abuse and concurrent support and education group for non-offending parents/caregivers.

Training: Multidisciplinary training sessions on issues related to child abuse investigations designed to enhance effectiveness of investigations and coordination of services.

Prevention: SungateKids/SafeKids, or SK2, is a performance-based prevention program aimed at children in grades 3-5, and educating them about preventing physical and sexual abuse perpetrated by someone known to the child. This innovative program is offered to schools throughout the 18th Judicial District at no charge.