MPCA News

Butte To House First Accredited Child Evaluation Center In Montana

Child Evaluation Center Staff (left to right) Kevin Skocilich, Patti Randall, Micehelle Miller, Megan Silzly.

The Child Evaluation Center in Butte will soon become the first center in Montana accredited by the National Children’s Alliance. The Child Evaluation Center provides forensic interviews and medical evaluations for children, ages birth to 18 and developmentally disabled adults who are victims of sexual abuse, physical abuse, and/or witnesses to violent crimes. Recommendation will be made for full accreditation at the National Children Alliance’s June board meeting in Washington D.C. According to Michelle Miller, the Director of the Child Evaluation Center, “the accreditation will allow the state to develop a state chapter to help other communities develop similar programs so that children and families won’t have to travel for the services. Ultimately our goal is to have a center in as many communities as possible.”

The Child Evaluation Center, operated by the Butte Community Health Center (CHC), has seen approximately 400 children since beginning operation in 1998. In September 2006, the Butte Child Evaluation Center moved into its new space at the CHC from its previous location at St. James Healthcare. The multi-disciplinary team partners include Department of Family Services, local law enforcement, pediatricians, County Attorney’s office, Victim’s Advocacy and the Child Evaluation Center staff. According to Patti Randall, Coordinator of the Child Evaluation Center, “working as a team means better outcomes in the investigations and children are not subjected to multiple interviews.” As a result of this coordinated effort, there has been a substantial increase in prosecution rates. Several perpetrators have pleaded guilty without going to a trial as a result of watching the victim’s statement. Saving a child from having to endure a trial is best, however, if a perpetrator doesn’t plead, our expert staff is able to prepare children for court so that they can do it and not suffer harm.

In 2005, the Child Evaluation Center received a Rural Health Outreach grant to provide nearly $500,000 in funding over three years. In addition to the forensic interview and medical evaluation, these funds help provide case management and mental health services to the children and families served. For more information, contact Michelle Miller at (406)496-6013 or mmiller@buttechc.com.

Montana Primary Care Association 1805 Euclid Avenue Helena, MT 59601 Phone: (406) 442-2750 Fax: (406) 449-2460