Community Call Line:

612-813-8300

Anyone can call the Community Call Line! This includes but is not limited to caregivers, past clients, community partners like therapists, law enforcement, non-profit workers, etc.!

Individuals call the Community Call Line for many reasons including:

Getting more information about resources like therapy, food, housing and more!
Ask questions about the forensic interview process.
Get help with Order of Protection or Harassment Restraining Order submissions.

Frequently Asked Questions:

My child just did a forensic interview. What happens next?

Every case is different, so what happens after an investigation differs from case to case. Unfortunately, CornerHouse rarely receives updates from investigators after the forensic interview. Because of this, you will need to reach out to any assigned investigators for updates. If you’ve lost their contact information, or are unable to reach the investigator, please contact the Community Call Line for further assistance.

Will my child have to testify?

It is possible that your child will have to testify after a criminal investigation involving law enforcement. This is more rare. If the investigation is accepted by the county attorney’s office, most defendants take plea deals, which means the victim does not have to testify. If your child does have to testify, a Victim Witness Advocate at the county will help prepare them. This may mean visiting the courthouse, walking through possible questions from the defense, and helping the child understand what to expect. Additionally, a CornerHouse advocate may be able to attend court with your family to offer additional support. There are additional things your child may find helpful such as bringing a stuffed animal to court, having something fun to look forward to after court, or having therapy following court to help process their emotions. To learn more, please reach out to our Community Call Line to speak with an advocate.

An adult in my child’s life is making me uncomfortable in how they behave with my child, but I’m not sure if abuse is happening. What should I do?

It’s important to always listen to your gut, and do what’s safest for your child. Abuse may not be occurring, however, if your gut is saying something is off, it’s worth listening to it. You may want to ask your child if anyone has touched them in ways they don’t like, or has said things that make them uncomfortable. If they say “no,” it’s important not to keep asking. This can actually delay disclosure if something is going on. You may say, “Okay. If anything does happen, you can always come tell me and you won’t be in trouble.” Just because a child says “no,” doesn’t mean something isn’t happening, but they may not be ready to talk about it. Nonetheless, here are behaviors to watch out for when adults are with children.

My child has been displaying some concerning behavior but says nothing is wrong. What do I do?

It's important to address any behaviors you find concerning. Working with a professional therapist is one of the best methods for helping your child identify any reasons for the behavior, or, through a great therapy relationship, the child may open up more if something is wrong. It's important not to ask children excessive questions. Allow them to tell you if anything is wrong in their own time. In the meantime, pediatricians recommend this approach to helping children at home: The Three R’s: Reassuring, Returning to Routine, and Regulation.

My child has disclosed some maltreatment concerns. How do I make a report?

There are a few ways to make a report. You can call 911, walk into your nearest police station and file a report, and/or contact your county's Child Protective Services phone number to file a report or to consult with someone. In Google, search “Child Protection _____ County” to locate your local CPS phone number. Keep in mind, you can always make your report anonymous if needed by dialing *67 before entering the investigative agency’s phone number. Here is our link to reporting abuse.

I want my child to have a CornerHouse interview because I think someone might be mistreating them, can I schedule one?

Unfortunately, families cannot schedule our interview services. All forensic interviews done at CornerHouse are a part of an ongoing investigation. Child Protective Services and Law Enforcement are the only ones who can schedule an interview. If you think your child is being maltreated, please contact your local police and/or CPS to file a report.

Do you have therapy resources for my traumatized child?

Yes. CornerHouse offers therapy for children up to age 17. All of CornerHouse’s therapists specialize in helping children and adolescents who have experienced trauma. We have support groups and individual therapy, and Spanish-speaking therapists. To inquire about CornerHouse therapy services, contact the Community Call Line for assistance. For other therapy options, search "child trauma therapists near me" to find agencies that specialize in trauma response in children. We recommend models such as DBT, TF-CBT, and trauma-informed play therapy. One of our advocates can also provide you with other recommendations through our Community Call Line.

What are the signs of child abuse?

There can be signs in both children and adults that child abuse is occurring. It’s important to note that, just because someone shows signs, doesn’t confirm that child abuse is happening. For example, a child may appear malnourished, but this may be due to certain medical conditions. Nonetheless, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the signs. Here are some of the signs of child abuse in children and adults.

What are normal and abnormal sexual behaviors in children?

It’s important to note that some sexual behavior in children is developmentally normal. However, some behaviors are abnormal or considered Problematic Sexual Behavior.” Here’s a guide to normal and abnormal sexual behavior in children.

Do you make Safe at Home appointments?

Yes. All our advocates are certified Safe at Home application assistants. For assistance with Safe at Home, please contact our Community Call Line or email CornerHouse (info@CornerHouseMN.org).

My child experienced abuse, are they doomed?

This is a common question we are asked. The answer is: Absolutely not. There are many modern and incredible interventions to help abused children get back on track. The number one indicator of childhood resiliency is a caring and supportive caregiver, so your role is critical. The Mayo Clinic offers advice on how to respond if your child has been abused.