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The Family Advocate Program of Sussex County is a resource for non-offending caregivers of sexually abused children.
We offer support, guidance and advocacy so caregivers can, in turn, be as supportive of their children as their children need them to be during this very trying time.
FAP services are all delivered sensitively and confidentially, with professionalism, and completely free of charge.
Caregivers who have taken advantage of FAP services report finding something very important they thought was lost forever: HOPE.
“You don’t have to do this by yourself”
You believe your child has been sexually abused. You cry just thinking about how selfishly someone could take advantage
of a vulnerable child. You are bitterly angry at the person accused of this terrible crime, and you even blame yourself a little. You are frustrated at the slowness of the legal
system. You have lost enjoyment in things that used to interest you. You even feel a little distant from loved ones. In addition to baseball games and karate, you now have
to run your child to her therapy sessions. You didn’t ask for all this, it’s not fair.
In the meantime, you are not sure who you can talk to about all you are going through. So you keep your thoughts and
feelings to yourself, and tough it out as best as you can. It’s a lonely place, for sure. But you don’t have to do this by yourself anymore. The Family Advocate Program
gives non-offending caregivers a safe place to confidentially discuss their experiences with fellow non-offending caregivers who truly understand what you are going through.
The Four Phases of Service
Phase One: Crisis Intervention (2-3 weeks)
In the beginning you may be unable to think clearly. The impact
of the alleged abuse and demands of professionals who want to talk with you and your child seem like too much to bear. FAP provides emergency crisis counseling to help you through this
very difficult period.
Phase II: Problem-Solving (3-5 weeks)
By the time you have arrived at this phase, you have survived
the initial crisis and are in the midst of having to deal with a crop of new issues you probably never realized you’d ever have to deal with. In this phase, you will with a small group
of other caregivers to share information and support. Caregivers find it very reassuring to know that they are not alone.
Phase III: Stabilization (10 weeks)
At this point, you will be ready to join the ten-week
stabilization group. Each week a different topic will be discussed, to help you understand and better cope with your personal experiences following your child’s abuse.
Phase IV: Maintenance
Following the stabilization group, you are welcome to return to the problem-solving
group to share your knowledge, strength and hope. You can attend as often as you wish.
Referral Process
If you are interested in any of FAP’s services, tell your child’s clinician or caseworker to send a referral sheet to Kris
Imbrie, Family Advocate. She will contact you within days to set up a first appointment.
The Family Advocate Program (FAP) of Sussex County provides education, support, and counseling to non-offending caregivers
of alleged sexual abuse victims. There is no cost to caregivers whatsoever for FAP services.
From providing crisis intervention to helping caregivers identify resources through dealing with an array of issues, the
Family Advocate Program endeavors to empower caregivers so they, in turn, can be the greatest support to their children.
The Family Advocate Program works actively with the Sussex County Multi-Disciplinary Team, professionals representing
law enforcement, child protective services, legal, mental health, and medical fields.
For More Information
Contact:
Justine R. Ionta
c/o Ginnie’s House
4 High Street, Newton
New Jersey 07860
Phone: 973-579-0770 x18
Fax: 973-579-1063
by e-mail at familyadvocate@ginnieshouse.org
“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” James Baldwin
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