Frequently Asked Questions
Why are you named Pat's Place?
The center is named in honor of Pat Wolfe, a dedicated advocate for children in our community. Advocacy was not just her profession, but her passion. Her strength and devotion touched children, families, and human service professionals. Pat passed away on May 7, 2000.
Is Pat's Place a non-profit organization?
Yes. Pat's Place began in 2001 as a program of the Council for Children and was incorporated as its own non-profit agency in December 2004. The center opened its doors at 1819 East Boulevard in July 2005.
What is a child advocacy center?
A child advocacy center (CAC) is a central location where children who are involved in sexual abuse investigations receive forensic interviews, medical evaluations, and support services. Prior to the child advocacy center model, children were shuffled from agency to agency and interviews were conducted in multiple locations over and over again. This resulted in added trauma to the child. Statistically, 87% of children who have received services at a CAC have reported reduced trauma symptoms.
Who does Pat's Place serve?
Pat's Place primarily serves Mecklenburg County children from birth to age 18 who are suspected victims of sexual abuse. On occasion, we also serve children who are involved in physical abuse investigations, witness to violence, and adults with developmental disabilities who are affected by abuse.
How are children referred to Pat's Place?
Referrals to Pat's Place are made by the Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services (DSS) and the seven law enforcement jurisdictions in Mecklenburg County (Charlotte Mecklenburg, Matthews, Mint Hill, Pineville, Davidson, Cornelius, and Huntersville Police Departments). If you suspect a child is being abused, you are a mandated reporter. This means you must contact the Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services, 704-336-CARE (704-336-2273).
How many children does Pat's Place serve annually?
In 2009, Pat's Place assisted 333 children who were affected by abuse. Since inception, the center has helped over 1,600 children.
Who is the "typical child" that is seen at Pat's Place?
When it comes to abuse, there is no "typical child" that is affected. Abuse is not limited to a certain gender, economic class, race, geographic location, or education level. Pat's Place serves children from birth to 18 years of age. Currently, the average age of the children we serve is nine years old.
What happens during a child's visit to Pat's Place?
Each child's experience at Pat's Place is based heavily on their individual needs. A typical two-hour visit includes a forensic interview followed by a medical exam. For a better understanding of the services offered at Pat's Place, please contact us to schedule a tour.
How much does it cost to serve one child at Pat's Place?
An estimated cost to serve one child is approximately $1,800-$2,000. This fee includes family advocacy and crisis intervention, a medical exam and applicable lab work, and a forensic interview. Studies show that child advocacy center investigations cost 36% less than traditional investigations that do not utilize a CAC.
How large is the staff at Pat's Place?
Pat's Place staff includes the Executive Director, Director of Development, two Family Advocates, and two Forensic Interviewers. Levine Children's Hospital provides the onsite medical team which includes a Medical Director, a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, a Program Coordinator (RN), and a Program Assistant. Pediatric medical staff with a specialty in child abuse also offer rotating services to the center as needed.
Is there really a need for the services Pat's Place offers in our community?
Unfortunately, yes. On average, Pat's Place helps approximately 330 children each year who have been affected by abuse. In FY 2008/09, there were 12,272 reported cases of abuse and neglect in Mecklenburg County alone.
How is Pat's Place different from child abuse agencies that already exist in the community?
Pat's Place is the only child advocacy center serving Mecklenburg County children affected by abuse. We provide video-recorded forensic interviews, specialized medical exams, and multidisciplinary team coordination and consultation for children. These services are not offered anywhere else in the community.
How is Pat's Place funded?
Pat's Place is a private, non-profit organization. We rely on support from grants and private contributions to meet our annual budget of approximately $434,000.
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Pat's Place Child Advocacy Center, Inc. is a tax-exempt non-profit organization.
1819 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28203 704-335-2760 ◊ 704-335-2768 fax - Get directions