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VAP GOALS
Expression
- The child and other family members are helped and encouraged
to describe what they experienced and how they felt about it.
Children learn how to talk openly to diminish the harmful effects
of family secrets.
Education
- The child and family learn that the abuse or violence is not
the child's fault, what constitutes normal reactions to such
events, and how to help the child.
Normalization
- The child and family members learn that much of what they
feel and ways they respond are normal responses to abnormal
events
Empowerment
- Being heard and understood can be a powerful experience for
a victim and the family, a therapeutic experience in itself.
The child will be taught names for feelings, ways to take control
of expressions of those feelings, and coping skills. Children
and family members will learn ways to increase safety and lessen
the probability of future abuse.
Reduction
- By intervening early and appropriately, the probability of
security and safety is increased, and the likelihood of long
standing emotional scars and post traumatic stress symptoms
is decreased. Early intervention may also be expected to reduce
current symptomatology
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Victim's Assistance
Program
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Crisis
Intervention & Psycheducational Help for Children
& Their Families
The Victim's Assistance
Program (VAP) of Family Counseling Services of Athens
is designed to provide prompt intervention with a family
when a child has experienced abuse or domestic violence,
to minimize the negative effects of that abuse. |
Who
is eligible for VAP services?
Any child living in Clarke or Oconee counties
who has recently disclosed physical or sexual abuse or the
experience of domestic violence, where the abuse or violence
has been confirmed by the Department of Children and Family
Services (DFCS) or local police, is eligible for services.
Additionally, the District Attorney's office may refer children
for the services in the case of recent disclosure. The siblings
of victims of abuse may also be eligible for services.
How
much does it cost?
There is no charge to the family for VAP services
at Family Counseling Services for those who are eligible for
services.
How
does a child obtain services?
A VAP referral form is completed by personnel
with DFCS, law enforcement or the DA's office confirming abuse
or domestic violence, signed by the parent/guardian, and sent
to Family Counseling Services (the FCS coordinator will help
with the completion of this form, if needed). The parent/guardian
may call for an appointment at any time after the referral
is signed. If you are not a resident of Oconee or Clarke counties
VAP services may be obtained at our standard
fee & insurance rates.
Helpful
Links
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Can assist if there is a fear of child abduction and
steps necessary to prevent kidnapping - interstate or
outside United States, call 1-800-THE-LOST
Project Safe
P.O. Box 7532, Athens, GA 30604
www.project-safe.org
For 24-hour, confidential information and services about
domestic violence, call (706) 543-3331.
Sexual Assault
Center of NE Georgia
3019 Lexington Road, Athens, GA 30605
For 24-hour crisis information and referrals or to have
collection of forensic evidence by a Sexual Assault
Nurse Examiner, call (706) 353-1912. |
NOTICE and Disclaimer: The information accessed
at this site is for general educational purposes only. Online
browsers should consult with licensed professionals (physicians,
clinical psychologists, clinical social workers, etc.) if they
have questions whether they may be in need of psychological
or any other form of treatment. |
