Empowering the Community: Investing in Child Protection Training

Supported by the LOR Foundation

We all know that safeguarding our children is not just the responsibility of parents or guardians, but a community-wide commitment. It’s why we’re thrilled to announce that, thanks to the generous support of the LOR Foundation, our team at the Four Corners Child Advocacy Center is participating in THE REID TECHNIQUE OF INVESTIGATIVE INTERVIEWING AND POSITIVE PERSUASION FOR CHILD ABUSE INVESTIGATIONS™.

This 3-day course offers specialized training designed for professionals involved in child protection services. The program aims to arm individuals like Social Service Child Protection Workers, Police Officers, and Child Advocates with the knowledge and skills they need to excel in investigative interviewing.

Key Learning Areas:

Understanding the Offender: The course delves deep into the mindset of those who perpetrate child abuse, offering insights that could prove invaluable in interviews.

Investigative Techniques: Learn how to ask profiling and behavioral provoking questions to get to the root of a case.

Nonverbal Cues: This training will equip participants with the ability to read nonverbal behavior—a crucial skill in the interviewing process.

Characteristics of a Successful Interviewer: What makes an interviewer effective? This course aims to answer that.

By providing this advanced training to our team, we hope to not only strengthen our ability to protect children but also empower our community through education and awareness.

A heartfelt thank you to the LOR Foundation for their ongoing support and belief in our mission.

Four Corners Child Advocacy Center specialized team

Our devoted team, always committed to continual learning and community support. Picture taken during Child Abuse Awareness Month.

Meet the Team Tuesday: Chris Veach, Child Protection Manager at Montezuma County DSS

Portrait of Chris Veach, Child Protection Manager at Montezuma County Department of Social Services.

Chris Veach, a committed founding member of our Multi-Disciplinary Team, serves as the Child Protection Manager for Montezuma County.

You know, the heartbeat of our Children’s Advocacy Center is our rockstar Multidisciplinary Team (MDT). It’s this mix of amazing pros from all walks—think law enforcement, medical, legal, and so on—who come together to support families from Day One. And speaking of pros, let’s talk about Child Protective Services (CPS). These folks are the real MVPs, filling in crucial gaps and keeping our kids safe. Today, we’re stoked to spotlight Chris Veach, who’s not just an MDT member but a straight-up legend in Montezuma County’s Department of Social Services.

A Founding Member with a Heart for Community

Meet Chris Veach, one of the founding members of our multi-disciplinary team and the Child Protection Manager at Montezuma County Department of Social Services. In her role, Chris reviews cases with our team and brings insights back to her office to strengthen the case at hand.

A Unique Path to Social Work

What led Chris into social work is a story many of us can find amusing: she was looking for a degree without a math requirement! Fortunately, she discovered a field she’s passionate about and has been committed to for years.

Perseverance Pays Off

One of her proudest moments involves a five-year-long case that finally led to justice for abused children. Thanks to the collective effort of our multi-disciplinary team, the case never fell through the cracks, and the perpetrators were convicted.

Life Beyond the Desk

Outside work, Chris loves anything that allows her to escape her desk—be it biking, hiking, or any outdoor activity. Reading a book a month is her personal goal, and she has a soft spot for chick flicks that tug at the heartstrings.

A Surprising Fact

Chris grew up without utilities like running water, electricity, or even a phone. Her unique upbringing enables her to bring a nuanced perspective to cases where children might be considered ‘neglected’ based on material conditions alone.

Why CPS Matters Big Time

Okay, here’s the deal. In the official playbook, CPS brings to the table all this awesome background info about families. It’s like having a seasoned detective who knows just what questions to ask. Chris, in her role, takes this to another level. She’s not just a name on our MDT roster; she’s the person who embodies the grit and compassion we’re all about.

She helps us work within what the experts call a “trauma-informed framework.” In everyday speak, that means we’re better at helping families heal and navigate through all the tough stuff. Because of folks like Chris, we’re not just ticking boxes; we’re making real, positive change.

And let’s face it, our team is like a wheel, and every one of us is a spoke that keeps it turning. Chris’s work is a key part of that. A big shoutout to her for being such a vital part of what we do.

#MeetTheTeam, #ChildProtection

Connect with Us: 

Follow us for more team profiles and stay updated with our work at Four Corners Child Advocacy Center. We’re not just a center; we’re a movement to change the narrative around child abuse and neglect.

Introduction: Empowering the Community – A Deeper Look Into Child Advocacy

Welcome to our new blog series, “Empowering the Community: A Deeper Look Into Child Advocacy.” We’re thrilled to have you join us on this journey as we unpack the essential work we do at the Four Corners Child Advocacy Center. Our mission, vision, and values guide us in strengthening our community’s response to child abuse and neglect. But what does that mean in practical terms? How do prevention, intervention, education, and advocacy come together to create a safer, stronger community?

Over the next few posts, we will delve into these components, sharing stories that matter and data that enlightens. Whether you’re a concerned community member, a parent, or someone considering a career in child advocacy, these articles aim to provide you with insights into the life-changing work we do.

This series will not only focus on the “what” and “how,” but also on the “who” — the team of dedicated individuals working tirelessly to uphold our mission. We’re proud to say that our organization thrives on teamwork, compassion, integrity, excellence, and humility. These are not just buzzwords but values we live by each day.

Stay tuned as we explore each facet of our work in greater detail. We encourage your thoughts, feedback, and shared experiences as we go along. Together, we can make our vision a reality: a community where children are safe, families are strong, and our child victims become children again.

Hands holds heart coming together, symbolizing the union of compassion and action in child advocacy.

Compassion Meets Action

Mural wall

Imagine a World Where All Children Thrive

LET’S MAKE IT HAPPEN

MONTEZUMA COUNTY SUPPORTS EACH OTHER

 

A team of high school students (Child Abuse Prevention Society (C.A.P.S.)) volunteered to paint a mural to raise awareness about child abuse in Montezuma County and to encourage residents to report their suspicions if they believe a child is suffering from maltreatment. Sponsored by The Michalak Farmers Insurance Agency – Durango and Region 9 Economic Development District of Southwest Colorado

If you haven’t had a chance to drive by the mural (on North Market St.), check out the images below.

It is beautiful, and such an great addition to our community.

 

How to spot GROOMING

Prevention Coordinator, Emily, has some great information on GROOMING. Be sure to follow our Facebook page to see the videos first on Monday afternoons.


 

Safe Sitter Class at the Advocacy Center

More and more teenagers are finding themselves in charge of their younger siblings while staying home without adult supervision during the pandemic. And to ensure the safety of children left home on their own, United Way of Southwest Colorado and the Four Corners Child Advocacy Center are offering a Safe Sitter Class for area kids. Thank you Montezuma Local News for the great story!

Take a look…

 

Beautiful September Quilts

21 amazing quilts were donated by Project Linus. Those quilts equal 420 volunteer hours! Amazing!! Thank you for your continued support.

WELCOME! Miguel Reza!

The Four Corners Child Advocacy Center is excited to introduce you to our newest team member, Miguel Reza. Miguel is a child and adolescent therapist. He has his MSW and will be focusing on helping children with problematic sexual behaviors heal. Miguel moved from Texas to Colorado in 2018. 

We are very excited about the insights Miguel will bring to our team. Join us in welcoming him!

Beautiful blankets get dropped off at the Center

Since the beginning of 2020, we’ve had 75 absolutely beautiful quilts and blankets donated to the Advocacy Center. We are constantly blown away by your generosity and your talent!

Welcome to Lacey Osterloh!

Join us in welcoming Lacey Osterloh as our newest child and family advocate at the Four Corners Child Advocacy Center. Lacey is pursuing her degree in psychology and wealth of experience as an adult advocate. We are so excited to have her as part of our team. WELCOME ABOARD!