The GreenHouse Child Advocacy/Sexual Assault Center

The need for an advocacy center for children had been identified within the Whitfield/Murray Communities during the 1980's. During the late 80's and early 90's, a board of professionals within the community began discussing the practicality of establishing such a center for our area. Spearheaded by Judge Jack Partain (who was District Attorney at the time), as well as other professional and community members, the GreenHouse was created as a joint governmental and 501 ? 3 nonprofit organization with the purpose of serving child victims of sexual abuse. The GreenHouse was the first advocacy center established in the State of Georgia with this unique partnership, and since the time of its inception, other centers have developed using this model. In 2013, The Board of Directors voted to become an independent agency, separating from the District Attorney's office. The GreenHouse has been in operation for 20 years; it began providing services in 1994, and held a Grand Opening in 1995.

The GreenHouse provides a safe, non-threatening and child-friendly atmosphere for the forensic  interviewing of children who have been sexually or physically abused. The forensic interview is conducted by a trained professional and is recorded to help reduce the number of times a child has to disclose and discuss abuse. Therapy is provided on-site to help the child victims begin the healing process. The GreenHouse in a non-profit organization that is funded through a state grant, local funds and the generosity of groups and individuals in our community. The GreenHouse facilitates monthly multidisciplinary "Team Review" meetings, bringing together the different agencies involved in the investigation and prosecution of child abuse cases. The Children's Advocacy Centers maintain the focus on the child victim. CACs work to promote collaboration among the agencies involved in child abuse cases to ensure that the systems designed to protect children are able to do so more effectively.