-
(580) 762.5266
-
Ponca City, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect at Dearing House?
Usually when you come to Dearing House, you will have already met either a Law Enforcement Officer (LE) or a Department of Human Services (DHS) caseworker, who have arranged for a forensic interview of your child. Our interviewers are trained to speak with children regarding concerns of abuse or neglect and are very kind and gentle. These interviews are designed to maximize the information gained, while minimizing contamination of the information and minimizing the trauma that is sometimes associated with the investigative process.
During your child’s interview, Dearing House staff will meet with you to:
- Explain details about the services of the Center
- Give you educational brochures to better understand the abuse
- Help guide you and your family to the path of healing
- Always be available to answer questions and concerns
- Help you set up a medical exam or therapeutic assessment
My child is coming to Dearing House for a forensic interview. What should I tell him or her?
Explain to your child that he or she is going to a place where children can talk to a person who can help with what has happened. Do not tell your child that she is going to the Center to play or to meet a special friend. Be truthful, but be brief. Do not suggest to your child what he or she is to say and do not coach or rehearse your child ahead of time. It is also very important that you not offer any bribes or rewards to your child for telling. Encourage your child to be truthful and honest with the person to whom he or she is going to speak.
Can I watch my child’s interview?
Parents and caregivers are not allowed in the interview or observation rooms during the interview. A law enforcement agency and/or child welfare cases worker will discuss the interview with you after the interview and answer your questions.
How long does the interview last?
The length of the interview depends on the child and nature of the allegations and can range from ten minutes to two hours. The average length of time an interview takes is 40-60 minutes.
Does doing a forensic interview prevent my child from having to go to court?
The Forensic Interview is the first step in a complex investigation involving law enforcement, child welfare and prosecution. The information gathered during the investigation will determine next steps in the process, and there are many factors and laws which must be considered when a child has to go to court. However, if a child is involved in court, staff at Dearing House and the courthouse will work with you and the child to support and prepare them. In many situations, having a voice in the court can help child feel valued and respected and helps them heal. Dearing House is focused on the needs of the child above all else and will support you for as long as needed.
DIRECT SERVICES FOR CRIME VICTIMS – Toll Free Numbers
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline 800–4–A–CHILD (800–422–4453)
Cyber Civil Rights Initiative (revenge/nonconsensual porn) 844–878–2274
Disaster Distress Helpline 800–985–5990
Mothers Against Drunk Driving 877–MADD–HELP (877–623–3435)
National Domestic Violence Hotline Hotline 800–799–7233
National Elder Fraud Hotline 833–FRAUD–11 (833–372–8311)
National Human Trafficking Hotline 888–373–7888
National Organization of Parents Of Murdered Children 888–818–POMC (888–818–7662)
National Runaway Safeline800–RUNAWAY (800–786–2929)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Hotline 800–273–8255 Espanol 888–628–9454
National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline Hotline 866–331–9474
Pathways to Safety International (domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking)833–SAFE–833 (833–723–3833)
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)800–656–HOPE (800–656–4673)
Safe Phone Helpline (sexual assault support for the DoD community)877–995–5247
StrongHearts Native Helpline (domestic violence and dating violence support for Native Americans)844–7NATIVE (844–762–8483)
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline 800–4–A–CHILD (800–422–4453)
Cyber Civil Rights Initiative (revenge/nonconsensual porn) 844–878–2274
Disaster Distress Helpline 800–985–5990
Mothers Against Drunk Driving 877–MADD–HELP (877–623–3435)
National Domestic Violence Hotline Hotline 800–799–7233
National Elder Fraud Hotline 833–FRAUD–11 (833–372–8311)
National Human Trafficking Hotline 888–373–7888
National Organization of Parents Of Murdered Children 888–818–POMC (888–818–7662)
National Runaway Safeline800–RUNAWAY (800–786–2929)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Hotline 800–273–8255 Espanol 888–628–9454
National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline Hotline 866–331–9474
Pathways to Safety International (domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking)833–SAFE–833 (833–723–3833)
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)800–656–HOPE (800–656–4673)
Safe Phone Helpline (sexual assault support for the DoD community)877–995–5247
StrongHearts Native Helpline (domestic violence and dating violence support for Native Americans)844–7NATIVE (844–762–8483)
How to Report Child Abuse
State law requires every person who has reason to believe that a child is being abused or neglected, or is in danger of being abused or neglected, MUST report the suspicion of abuse promptly to the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS).
The statewide 24-hour child abuse hotline in 1-800-522-5311 or call 911 to reach local law enforcement.
OKDHS policy and state law require strict maintenance of the confidentiality of reports of child abuse. Anonymous reports are also accepted. Calling Dearing House does not meet the legal requirement for reporting. Referrals to Dearing House come from Law Enforcement and DHS after they receive the report.