I am proud to serve on the board of an organization that serves children, teens, and their families during a very difficult time. Sexual abuse is a crime that is under-reported. Many adults take their stories of this heinous crime to their graves. The brave children and teens who come to Ralston House with the support of law enforcement and child protection are able to share about what happened to them, be interviewed by a trained forensic interviewer, receive a medical exam, and be cared for in a respectful and loving manner by a staff of professional victim advocates and volunteers. Their families receive guidance about counseling, the legal process, safety planning, and information about how best to help their child or teen recover. The work done at Ralston House helps apprehend perpetrators and educate the community. Ralston House is a place of hope and healing.
Ralston House is an organization that is dedicated to helping children and teenagers who may have either been a victim or witness to a crime. The dedicated staff and volunteers set an atmosphere that is comfortable for the families during a difficult time. It is the goal of the staff to keep the best interest of the children in mind so they are not traumatized as they go through the process of telling their story to a trained forensic interviewer. You would think this would be so incredibly difficult for these children and teenagers, but when when in a comfortable setting, being asked questions in a way that allows for the child to tell their story at their pace, these kids do really well. Most of the time, they express how relieved they were to tell their story. They don't want to leave and ask when they get to come back!
Ralston House is a safe haven for children to tell their stories of abuse and begin to heal. Ralston House feels like a second home. They work hard to make children and families feel safe, welcome and heard. Ralston House provides families with excellent customer service and resources that can help their family through a difficult healing process. I would recommend Ralston House because the staff and professionals truly care.
Ralston House is a regional child advocacy center serving Jefferson, Adams, Broomfield and Gilpin counties through locations in Arvada, Lakewood and Northglenn. As a child advocacy center, Ralston House provides a place for law enforcement to receive investigative services of suspected abuse cases through the highly competent child advocates who interview children who may be victims of abuse. In the course of one year, Ralston House conducts nearly 900 such interviews that help law enforcement and the judicial system determine whether or not there has been abuse.
Ralston House offers much more. Through the dedicated staff and volunteers, education, awareness and general child and family advocacy is offered through events and activities. Ralston House provides a voice on behalf of children and families to thrive and recover in our communities.
Ralston House provides professional and comprehensive services for children and families going through circumstances that no one should have to go through. They provide a child-friendly, child-focused and most importantly, safe, environment to work with these families and help them navigate through the days, weeks, months, and even years ahead. Everyone has the best interest of children in mind and works hard to provide the best services for them.
The staff at Ralston House are truly invested in changing the lives of children who have been abused for the better. It is inspiring to see volunteers, victim advocates, forensic interviewers and nurses all working together for the best interest of the child. I could not be more proud to be associated with this organization.