Services
Berkshire County Kids’ Place is here to help
Explore our list of services below, including our Multidisciplinary Approach for how we handle child abuse cases with the utmost dignity and care.
Accessing Services
You can make a self-referral by filling out our contact form. If a child has approached you for help or if you suspect that child abuse or neglect is occuring, you should immediately contact the Department of Children & Families (DCF) at 413-236-1800, or after hours at 800-792-5200.
If a child is in imminent danger of physical harm or sexual abuse, call your local police by dialing 911 immediately.
After a referral is submitted or received, the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) gathers in one place to share information and provide a roadmap of support for child victims/witnesses. These MDT professionals—typically including Kids’ Pace staff, Department of Children & Families (DCF), local law enforcement, mental health professionals, medical experts, and the District Attorney’s Office—work together to help victims and families heal and hold offenders accountable.
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Family Advocacy
Non-offending family members or caretakers of Kids’ Place clients can receive personalized support from our Family Advocacy Coordinator. This service is exclusive to family members of child victims/witnesses who are already working with Kids’ Place.
- Family advocacy support includes:
- Housing opportunities
- Legal referrals
- Food pantries
- Berkshire County community outreach programs
The Family Advocate works closely with the Kids’ Place clinical team and CSEC Coordinator to create and support high standards for child abuse investigations and to advocate for the needs and well-being of child abuse victims and their families. The Family Advocate educates and guides children and family members in the aftermath of their crisis and trauma, and the overall Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) response and services. Provide access to needed information, services, and support in their pursuits of healing and justice. Assessment of individual needs, aids in receiving concrete services, safety plans, and support for children and family members at all stages of involvement with CAC.
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Medical
Berkshire County Kids’ Place offers medical services through an on-staff Pedi-SANE. Pedi-SANE translates to Pediatric Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. Pedi-SANE services provide victims with a thorough medical examination in a safe, quiet, comfortable atmosphere.
A Pediatric Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner is in attendance at the forensic interview and schedules exams when necessary.
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Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC)
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) is a form of child abuse, also known as sex trafficking. CSEC also includes youth affected by CSAM (Child Sexual Abuse Material, formerly Child Pornography), which can include nude images, videos, or sexual extortion (“sextortion”).
Kids’ Place CSEC professionals use the Multidisciplinary Approach to hear the child’s story (if applicable) and offer care such as internet safety conversations and mental health services.
Kids’ Place also partners with the Robert F. Kennedy Alliance in Lancaster, MA, to offer Survivor Youth Mentorship–a program where survivor mentors who were exploited help new victims process and heal.The Family Advocate works closely with the Kids’ Place clinical team and CSEC Coordinator to create and support high standards for child abuse investigations and to advocate for the needs and well-being of child abuse victims and their families. The Family Advocate educates and guides children and family members in the aftermath of their crisis and trauma, and the overall CAC response and services. Provide access to needed information, services, and support in their pursuits of healing and justice. Assessment of individual needs, aids in receiving concrete services, safety plans, and support for children and family members at all stages of involvement with CAC.
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Mental Health Therapy Services
Kids’ Place offers mental health therapy services for all victims over the age of five. Clinical support is tailored to the individual needs of the child or teenager and completely confidential. For victims under the age of five, caregiver support is also available.
Children Exposed to Domestic Violence Counseling
Children Exposed to Domestic Violence (CESV) counseling is a therapeutic service focused on helping child victims or witnesses heal from domestic violence.Parents of Kids’ Place clients can also receive family advocacy support. Adult domestic violence counseling is offered through the Elizabeth Freeman Center.
Problematic Sexual Behavior Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Problematic Sexual Behavior Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (PSB-CBT) is offered when a child is displaying inappropriate language or actions toward other children. This service is available for children ages seven to 14.
Our Multidisciplinary Approach
The Multidisciplinary Approach gathers all necessary professionals in one place to gather information and provide a roadmap of support for child victims/witnesses.
These professionals–typically including Kids’ Pace staff, Department of Children & Families (DCF), local law enforcement, mental health professionals, medical experts, and the District Attorney’s Office–work together to help victims and families heal and hold offenders accountable.
The Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) works in tandem to investigate cases of child abuse or neglect and discuss each unique case from all angles to decide on the best approach for care. The MDT provides wraparound services including a forensic interview process that eliminates the need for a child victim/witness to repeat their story multiple times and avoid reliving the traumatic event(s).