OurVisionProvide a child-friendly forensic interview center that offers new hope to children who have been the victims of sexual abuse, physical abuse, or who have witnessed domestic violence. Interviews are conducted in a comfortable, safe atmosphere by a team of highly trained professionals to ascertain the truth on behalf of the child and the suspect. Care is taken to ensure follow-up services are provided to aid in the healing process.

Additionally, JPCC provides information; training and consultation to parents, teachers, law enforcement officers, medical and mental health professionals.

JPCC is a partnership between Marin Publicand Private Agencies

FAMILY SERVICE

AGENCY OF MARIN

MARIN ADVOCATES FOR CHILDREN

MARIN COuNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S

OFFICE

MARIN COuNTY HEALTH & HuMAN

SERVICES

MARIN COuNTY POLICE CHIEFS ASSOCIATION

A Safe Haven for Kids A N N uA L R E P O R T S P R I N G 2 0 0 9

“Another Milestone 500 Interviews”Read story on page 3

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Director’s Message

t last spring’s Falkirk Luncheon we said goodbye to Tim Little. He served on the JPCC Steering Com-

mittee for 10 years. Captain Mike Ridgway has stepped in for Tim on the Committee.

Tim’s shoes are not easy to fill. He was instrumental in the early planning of the Center, which included initiating the JPCC policy manual, working closely with the architect on the Center’s design, helping to negotiate the site plan with county of-ficials, overseeing the general contractor, and taking part in the demolition projects and acquisition of the security system. Tim also personally handled the framing of Jeannette’s Ike jacket that now proudly hangs in our JPCC conference room.

Thank you, Tim, for your dedication and ex-traordinary efforts. You were instrumental in making the dream of a child-friendly center a reality for our community!

Michael Grogan, Ph.D.

Cyndy Doherty, Marin Advocates for Children, replaces Charlie Mead

Capt. Mike Ridgway, MCSO, replaces Tim Little

Tim Little, Paula Kamena & Michael Grogan

hat a dubious milestone: 500 forensic interviews with children. Marin County is fortunate to

have a Center that spares children and families the agony of repeated interviews. However, it continues to sadden us that such interviews are needed, and that hor-rific crimes against children are committed.

As the demographics illustrate (see back page), the majority of children interviewed at the Center are girls. Research indicates that boys show a greater resistance to coming forward when victimized because it might portray them as weak. In addition, most molesters are men and boys often fear being identified as “gay”. They also have difficulty accepting themselves as legitimate victims.

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500 Interviews : A Dubious Milestone:

especially true when the suspected abuser was a parent.

Last year 50% of the children interviewed at the Center were from Latino families. In Marin, we are fortunate to have several highly-qualified, bi-lingual child forensic interviewers working for Children and Family Services at Health and Human Ser-vices. The JPCC is able to call upon them when a child is more comfortable discuss-ing this difficult issue in their native language.

Many of our supporters are surprised at the large number of children we see under the age of five (29%). Most of these children are four and five years old. Their young age leaves them vulnerable and dependent on older children and adults for their care and interpretation of the world. They are also least likely to report their abuse. Findings from a recent study (Hershkowitz, Horowitz & Lamb, 2006) reveal that when suspicion of sexual abuse exists with three to six year-olds, this group was much less apt to report the abuse than those in older age groups. This was

or the 8th year, our JPCC will sponsor Chris Grogan as its street painter (madonnari). Last year,

Chris rendered a chalk/pastel portrait of a famiily friend.

Street paintings of this size (6x6’) take about 14 hours, over both days. It is a physically demanding “labor of love,” for Chris. This will be her 15th year participating in the festival as an artist.

JPCC and Youth in Arts’ 16th AnnualItalian StreetPainting Festival

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Northern California Network of Multi-Disciplinary Interview CentersThe JPCC belongs to a network of multi-disciplinary interview/child advocacy centers for Northern California that meet on a quarterly basis to coordinate training and share concerns. In January the consortium convened at the JPCC, where our team discussed the JPCC procedures and training practices.

Innovative Child Forensic Interview TechniquesAs the field of child forensic interviewing evolves, more effective and reliable protocols are developed. The JPCC Steering Committee, in a commitment to provide state-of-the-art training to our interviewers, recently adopted the protocol researched and field tested by Tom Lyon, Ph.D., J.D. at the University of Southern California. This protocol emphasizes the importance of developing rapport with the child and encourages self-initiated narratives, as opposed to interviewer- directed questioning.

Molly Miller, H&HS, Murat Ozgur, DA, Ed Berberian, DA, Capt. Mike Keller, SRPD, Detective Lisa Holton, SRPD, Raul Munoz, H&HS

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Community and Professional Training

Laura Estrada, H&HS, Lisa Holton, SRPD, Mike McBride, DA, Jolie Clark, H&Hs

Child Psychiatric TreatmentThe appropriateness and safety of psychiatric medi-cation is a significant concern when children are interviewed and, subsequently, receive psychological treatment. Last winter, Catherine Kennedy, M.D., a child psychiatrist and original supporter of the Center, provided a workshop to local mental health professionals related to potential medications for traumatized children.

JPCC Raises Awareness at Lagunitas Middle School The JPCC Project Director continues to provide educational programs to Marin County Schools regarding “Internet Dangers.” While most kids enjoy social network-ing sites in an appropriate manner, some use poor judgment, sending personal information or revealing pictures that can be saved and forwarded to others. JPCC’s program raises awareness about these dangers and gives students tools to better protect themselves.

Growing Up in Cyberspace: What Professionals Need to KnowIn April, we co-sponsored a conference, Growing Up In Cyberspace: What Professionals Need to Know, with the Marin County office of Education. The main presenter, Joanie Gillispie, Ph.D., author of Cyber-rules, was assisted by students Masood Nusratty, U.C. Berkeley, and Katie Conklin, Sacramento State University. The conference was aimed at professionals who work with youth, and focused on teen’s use of social networking sites and online communications.

Preventing Date RapeThe JPCC Steering Committee is committed to educating parents, students and teachers about Internet safety. Michael Grogan and John Aliotti from the DA’s office have written a play that reflects cases brought to the Center. In order to strengthen the script, assis-

tance was enlisted from young women familiar with social net-working sites and the nature of abuses that can occur. Many thanks to Victoria Cappuc-cio, Lauren Magana, and Jessica Heiges for providing valuable consultation!

Marin County Child Safety ConsortiumTo better facilitate coordination and collaboration between agencies, law enforcement representatives and Children and Family Workers (CPS) formed the Marin County Child Safety Consortium. The group meets a couple times a year to discuss issues facing abused children and subsequent investigations. At our october meeting, Janet Hines, Director of CASARC at San Francisco General Hospital, discussed the criteria for initiating a non-acute medical exam on a child victim.

Project Director, Michael Grogan at Lagunitas Middle School

Jessica Heiges, Lauren Magana, & John Aliotti

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April Child Abuse Prevention Month

LuncheonHonors

Chief Ken Hughes, Fairfax P.D., honoring the the career of Sergeant Phil Torres

Phil Torres and Chief Hughes

Project Director Michael Grogan gifting Tim Little

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Children’sChampions

Haley Mears, H&HS, honored for her exhaustive work on a demanding case by Heather Ravani, H&HS

Tim Little, MCSO, bidding farewell

Chief Joseph Kreins, Novato P.D., honoring Sergeant Jennifer Welch for her work as a Child Forensic Interviewer, completing 43

interviews at the Center: the most by one person

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JPCC Stars Honored

Service and Dedication to Our Community’s Children & Families

Lori Frugoli, Deputy District Attorney assigned to the JPCC for three years, reflects on her stewardship

Captain Mike Keller, San Rafael P.D. , recognizes Charlie Mead, Executive Director, Marin Advocates for Children, for his eight years

of service on the JPCC Steering Committee

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Community Support

Quilts for the kidse are fortunate to have several talented quilt makers donate to the Center. These local quilt makers,

known as the Sew and Sews, are located at Picket Fence Quilts in Novato, owned by Cathy Davis and Barbara Sutton. To date the Sew and Sews have generously donated over 20 quilts that were then given to child victims visiting the Center. The children were thrilled to have such a beauti-ful tapestry of their own, especially after having to discuss difficult and upsetting experiences.

Sew and Sews members:

Sandra HarringtonNancy ReckDiane CrouseJoan RobinsonJan Davis

Rosemary SchumackerGlenda MalburySusan WittenmyerJoanne RowlandsSue Kujawa

Holiday Teddy Bear Campaign

eather Gravers, Branch Services officer at Westamerica Bank, Ignacio Branch, initiated a Teddy Bear drive at the bank

during the holiday season. She collected over 50 teddy bears and other stuffed animals from generous bank customers. Many thanks Heather and Westamerica!

Heather Graves, Branch Service Officer, and Michelle Baxter, Customer Service Manager at Westamerica’s Ignacio Office

Courtney and baby Chloe with Sandra Harrington

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Working Togetherfor Justice and Restoration of the Family

Detective Sophia Winter, Novato P.D.

It Takes a Team…to Protect a Child

Ryan Petersen, Sheriff’s Office

Ronda Reese, San Rafael P.D.

Catherine Kennedy, M.D.

Murat Ozgur, Deputy D.A., assigned to JPCC

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Sincere Appreciation to Our Supporters

Our Dedicated and Professional Team

LEADERSHIP CIRCLE:$10,000 or more

Soroptimist International of Marin CountyMilagro Foundation

CORNERSTONE PARTNERS$1,000 or more

Peter & Patricia ArrigoniThe Peter and Patricia Arrigoni Fund of Marin Community FoundationDonald o. Collins Foundation

COMMuNITY PARTNERS$500 or more

Col. & Mrs. Arthur S. olsonPacific Union Real EstateLaura & Jim TurnerNancy Zaharin

TREASuRED FRIENDSunder $500

Jean AnsleyAna Bagtas In loving memory of Shelia McGortyLou Bartolini

Sue BeittelEd BerberianCaptain Jim BergSteve Berreman In honor of Lindsey and others like herTom & Sandy BoydKathleen CarnahanWallace & Sylvia ChipmanPatricia CoffeyKatherine CoffeyGeorge CoffeyChristine Coffey-PucciniCyndy DohertyVanessa Dominguez In loving memory of Shelia McGortyMary Lou Flynn In loving memory of Shelia McGortyKen FreyBill GibsonJohn Glassheim In loving memory of Shelia McGorty

John & Constance GoviShirley & Jeff GravesChristine & Michael GroganJoan & Frank GroganChief Michael Grogan, NYFDThomas & Janet GroganGary GrossNicholas HeldfondJames W. HendersonZelma Howard In loving memory of Shelia McGortyJanice HughesElizabeth Irwin In memory of Shelia McGortyCaptain Mike KellerDolores E. LawsonJudy Le MarrFriends from Marin County Health & Human Services Department In loving memory of Shelia McGortyKellie MooreDorothy L. odetto

Albert & Emily Pezzi In memory of Hank PaladinoHeather & Ron RavaniCaptain Mike RidgwayKathleen Roach In loving memory of Shelia McGortyWendy Sanchez In loving memory of Shelia McGortyJoseph & Sparkie SpaethSumiko StaffordShelagh Stewart-Chung In loving memory of Shelia McGortyThe Swig FoundationRita Widergreen In memory of Shelia McGorty

IN-KIND Carole Dandridge

STEERING COMMITTEEED BERBERIANMarin County District Attorney

CAPTAIN JIM BERGNovato Police Department

CYNDY DoHERTY Executive Director Marin Advocates for Children

CAPTAIN MIKE KELLERSan Rafael Police Department

HEATHER RAVANISocial Service Director Health & Human Services

CAPTAIN MIKE RIDGWAYMarin County Sheriff’s office

JPCC STAFF:MICHAEL C. GRoGANProject Director

MARIN COuNTY DISTRICT ATTTORNEY’S OFFICE

MuRAT OZGuRDeputy District Attorney

NILDA FERNANDEZ Victim Witness

MICHAEL MC BRIDEInspector

ROBERT GuIDIChief Inspector

RACHEL TAYLORVictim Witness

POLICE DEPARTMENTSBEVEDERE PoLICE DEPARTMENT

Chief Mark CampbellSergeant Chris Pool

CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL

Commander Bob Morehen

CoLLEGE oF MARINPoLICE DEPARTMENT

Chief Charles Lacy

FAIRFAX PoLICE DEPARTMENT

Chief Ken HughesOfficer Andrew Lyssand

MARIN CoUNTY SHERIFF’S oFFICE

Sheriff Robert DoyleLieutenant Barry HeyingSergeant Steve DelaoDetective Ryan Petersen

MILL VALLEY PoLICE DEPARTMENT

Chief Robert RitterDetective Lindsay Haynes

NoVATo PoLICE DEPARTMENT

Chief Joseph KreinsLieutenant Dave JeffriesSergeant Keith HeidenDetective Sophie WinterDetective Nick ConradSRO Melissa Hinkle

RoSS DEPARTMENT oF PUBLIC SAFETY

Jim ReisPublic Safety Director

SAN ANSELMo PoLICE DEPARTMET

Chief Charles MaynardCorporal Ryan Dunnigan

SAN RAFAEL PoLICE DEPARTMENT

Chief Matt OdettoCaptain Jeff FranziniSergeant Jonathan BeanSergeant Al PiomboDetective Lisa HoltonCorporal Ronda Reese

SAUSALITo PoLICE DEPARTMENT

Chief Scott Paulin

TIBURoN PoLICE DEPARTMENT

Chief Michael Cronin

TWIN CITIES PoLICE DEPARTMENT

Chief Phillip GreenDetective Toby MillerOfficer Patty Monge

HEALTH & HuMAN SERVICE: CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES

Raul MunozSupervisor

Julie LenhardtSupervisor

Molly MillerSocial Worker

Rosie HernandezSocial Worker

Juan FunesSocial Worker

Laura EstradaSocial Worker

Haley Mears Social Worker

Jolie ClarkSocial Worker

COMMuNITY HEALTH & PREVENTION SERVICES

Sparkie SpaethManager

Rebecca SmithHealth Planner Evaluator

Cio HernandezLicensed Mental Health Practitioner Bilingual

CHILD ABuSE TREATMENT TEAM

Kit MitchellProgram Director

Peggy TothProgram Administrator

Helen DonaheyFinancial officer

Allen PetersDirector of Finance

Betty WoodClinical Supervisor

Lourdes QuesadaMental Health Worker

Casey AdamsMental Health Worker

Solidad EspinolaMental Health Worker

We welcome all contributions, including cash, credit card, stock, and car donations. Please join us in protecting the health and safety of our community’s children.

For more information about contributing, please contact our director, Dr. Michael Grogan at (�15) �99-��50.

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Photographer: Janice Hughes Volunteer Webmaster: Gene Pennington Editor: Marianne Gabelman

A N N u A L R E P O R T S P R I N G 2 0 0 9

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Jeannette Prandi Children’s Center

A Safe Haven for KidsVISIT oUR WEBSITE:

prandicenter.org(415)499-3750

Fax (415)473-5911

Jean ette Pra di Childre ’ CenterJPCC Interviews 2000 – 200�

Total Interviews 500

SexFemale 70%Male 30%Age0-5 29%six-11 47%twelve-17 23%Adults 1%EthnicityCaucasian 52%Latino 33%African American 11%Asian 4%LanguageEnglish 81%Spanish 19%

Police AgenciesSan Rafael 32%Novato 30%MCSo 16%Twin Cities 7%Fairfax 8%Mill Valley 2%Tiburon 2%San Anselmo <1%Sausalito <1%Belvedere <1%Ross <1%College of Marin <1%Parks <1%other <1%

Matching Gift ProgramCheck with the Human Resource Department at your workplace about dou-bling your gift through the Corporate Matching Gift Program.

united Way CampaignDesignate Jeannette Prandi Children’s Center on the United Way pledge form.

Corporate Support for Employees Who VolunteerCompanies often give to non-profits where their employees volunteer or have a special interest.

Remember JPCC in your WillExpress your support through a bequest. Usually bequests statea dollar amount or a specific item of property.

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