 An Efficient, Child-Friendly Model
for Child Abuse Investigation
The Child Abuse Network is located in the Justice Center (Center) which is owned by the University of Oklahoma (OU).
Designated an OU Center of Excellence, the 9,600 square foot Center serves as an efficient model to streamline the child abuse investigation process while minimizing trauma to the child.
Contact CAN to learn more about its organization and coordination of the Justice Center.
Child-Friendly Facility
 Built in 1992 by the generosity of the Dr. Karl Jurak Foundation, The Justice Center was carefully designed by a team of professionals including architects, interior designers, pediatricians, detectives, social workers and child development specialists. Every detail of the Center, from the skylights to the colors of the walls, was planned so that children and families would feel comforted and safe. The result is a facility with features such as a large aquarium, fireplace, child-sized restroom, skylights, and a special "teddy bear" waiting room.
Back to top
 Efficient Design for Tulsa's Child Abuse Investigation Team
The Justice Center was specially designed not only for the children involved in child abuse investigations, but also for the team of multi-disciplinary agencies that investigate child abuse.
The Center provides offices for:
- Child Abuse Network
- Child abuse medical team from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine - Tulsa Department of Pediatrics
- Investigative intake personnel from the Tulsa County Department of Human Services - Child Welfare
- Tulsa Police Department's Child Crisis Unit
- District Attorney's Office - including representatives from the District Attorney's Juvenile and Criminal Divisions
The Center's efficient design positions all the investigative agencies' offices
around the children's waiting area. This arrangement results in better communication
among team members and helps keep the child everyone's central concern.
Medical services are provided in two medical evaluation rooms, one of which
is specially equipped for younger children with an "elephant" exam table and
colorful wall hangings.
 Forensic interviews are conducted in two interview rooms with adjoining observation
rooms, one-way mirrors, videotaping equipment and wiring to view interviews
in the Center's large conference room.
Mental health services are provided in an office located down the hall and away from the busy medical exam and interview rooms. A full collection of helpful information and resource pamphlets are located right outside of the mental health specialist's office.
|
