History
Ralston House child advocacy center (formerly the Arvada Child Advocacy Center) was developed in 1990 to assist in the investigative process of child sexual abuse cases. It was founded by the Arvada Police Department to provide a child-friendly, safe and neutral environment where police detectives, social workers, psychologists and medical professionals could talk with children and their families in surroundings that would lessen the anxiety of a child who had been assaulted.
At Ralston House, children and teens who have been sexually or physically abused can tell their stories, undergo a comprehensive medical exam and receive victim advocacy services in a safe, respectful environment as they begin to heal from the trauma they have experienced - without being re-traumatized in the process. It was the first child advocacy center in Jefferson County and the second in Colorado. It is the only child advocacy center in Jefferson County, at two locations - one in Arvada and one in Lakewood. Nonprofit 501(c)3 tax status was obtained in the early 1990's.
Today in the United States one in five girls and one in ten boys are sexually abused before the age of 18. Ninety percent of these children are abused by either family or someone they know and trust. With twenty percent of our youth experiencing sexual abuse it is essential that agencies like Ralston House exist.
Until 2005, Ralston House contracted with private therapists and the Jeffco Children's Alliance (which is no longer in operation) to provide forensic interviews. In 2006, in response to an increased demand for services, an organizational assessment was conducted and the Board developed a new strategic business plan. They hired a full-time Forensic Therapist to conduct interviews and an Executive Director. Services were expanded and the number of children served continued to increase. With the purchase of a photocolposcope with First Judicial District VALE funds, Ralston House began providing medical exams in November 2007, and is the only center in the metro area providing pediatric forensic medical exams other than The Children’s Hospital in Aurora. Ralston House contracts with a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) to provide medical exams. Ninety-four medical exams were conducted in 2009. A second facility was opened in 2009 and receives in-kind support from the Cities of Arvada and Lakewood. Funding is being sought for a second photocolposcope in order to open a health clinic in Lakewood.
The satisfaction surveys completed by parents, children/teens and investigative agencies consistently rate services as excellent or above average. All services are provided at one location, so children feel safe and comfortable with the surroundings and the professionals with whom they are familiar.
Services are free of charge to all victim families.
Ralston House received national accreditation status from the National Children’s Alliance in 2009, ensuring that Ralston House operates using best practices and also will provide additional funding opportunities.
See Contact Us for specific addresses in Arvada and Lakewood.
