ABOUT US
Our CAC Story
In 1995, Hope Haven opened its doors after years of planning and collaboration between the Hancock County Youth Court System and concerned citizens. The primary mission was to be an emergency shelter that housed children taken into care.
Hope Haven remained a shelter until Hurricane Katrina made landfall along the Mississippi Gulf Coast in August 2005. As we recovered from this devastating event, our mission evolved to become a Child Advocacy Center (CAC) serving children and families affected by trauma or neglect.
As the only CAC agency serving Hancock and Pearl River Counties, Hope Haven provides immediate intervention services to children and families affected by traumatic events. Our organization specializes in providing forensic interviewing, family advocacy, counseling, child sex abuse prevention, and direct support to families in need.
Additionally, Hope Haven assembles a Multi-Disciplinary Team comprised of local law enforcement, child protective services, CASA, Youth Court, prosecution, and medical professionals to promote a strong collaborative effort to seek justice for affected children and their families. We have positioned ourselves as a community leader that serves to be the voice and advocate of abused and neglected children on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Mission Statement
Hope Haven Children's Advocacy Center is dedicated to helping children who are victims of sexual abuse and trauma. Hope Haven supports children and families each year through family advocacy programs that provide the necessary tools to respond to each child's unique needs following sexual abuse, severe physical abuse and neglect. Hope Haven collaborates with Law Enforcement, Child Protective Services and the District Attorney's office in the investigation and prosecution of child sexual and physical abuse cases.
Vision Statement
It is our vision to be a haven of recovery and a path to justice for children and their families who are victims of sexual and severe physical abuse.
Our Approach
As a Child Advocacy Center, Hope Haven has assembled a team of professionals that work together to support families and victims of sexual abuse and trauma.
The Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) works together at Hope Haven's office to review reported cases of abuse. The MDT is 10 agencies strong representing multiple agencies in each county. When agencies work together as a team, victims and their families receive the right resources for healing and justice. The MDT approach is a powerful method that reduces traumatization while holding offenders accountable.
The mission of MDT is, “to work together through a collaborative, inter-agency approach to ensure the best possible outcomes for children who are victims of sexual abuse and other severe physical abuse.” MDT partners work under a shared protocol.
The CAC Approach
Victim's Journey Without Hope Haven
To understand what Hope Haven Children’s Advocacy Center is, you must understand what children face without a children's advocacy center.
Without Hope Haven, the child may end up having to tell the worst story of his or her life over and over again, to doctors, cops, lawyers, therapists, investigators, judges, and others.
They may have to talk about that traumatic experience in a police station where they think they might be in trouble. Even worse, the child may be asked the wrong questions by a well-meaning teacher or other adult that could hurt the case against the abuser.
Victim's Journey With Hope Haven
When police or child protective services believe a child is being abused, the child is brought to Hope Haven — a safe, child-focused environment—by a caregiver or other “safe” adult.
Here at Hope Haven, the child tells their story once to a trained interviewer who knows the right questions to ask in a way that does not not re-traumatize the child.
Then, the multidisciplinary team that includes medical professionals, law enforcement, mental health, prosecution, child protective services, victim advocacy, and other professionals make decisions together about how to help the child based on the interview.
Hope Haven offers therapy and medical exams, plus courtroom preparation, victim advocacy, case management, and other services.
Partner Agencies
- Hancock County Sheriff's Office
- Pearl River County Sheriff's Office
- Bay St. Louis Police Department
- Waveland Police Department
- Picayune Police Department
- Poplarville Police Department
- Hancock County District Attorney
- Pearl River County District Attorney
- Hancock County Youth Court
- Pearl River County Youth Court
- CASA of South Mississippi
- Child Protective Services
- Gulf Coast Mental Health
- Pine Belt Mental Healthcare Resources
- UMMC Children's Safe Center
What families say
Your Child's 1st Visit
You and your child have been referred to Hope Haven as child abuse is suspected or has been reported. With the child abuse claims now being investigated, we understand that families and caregivers will have many questions regarding the investigation process. Hope Haven is here to help you and your child every step of the way on your path towards healing and justice.
Forensic Interview
Our highly trained and compassionate forensic interviewer will speak with your child in a neutral and relaxed environment.
The goal of the interview is to gather important facts regarding the investigation while limiting the trauma your child must face by telling his or her story.
Our interviewers are skilled at talking with kids of all ages and developmental levels.
Meet With Investigator
After the forensic interview is complete, you will meet an investigator from local law enforcement and child protective services.
We work closely with law enforcement and state agencies to ensure you stay informed throughout the investigative process.
Medical Exam
In some cases, a forensic medical exam maybe needed.
If it is determined that your child needs a medical exam, our family advocate will schedule your appointment and guide you through the medical exam process.
Hope Haven has partnered with the Children's Safe Center in Biloxi to conduct the forensic medical exam.
Their staff are trained child abuse professionals with extensive medical, courtroom, and investigative experience in child maltreatment.
Family Advocate
During your visit to Hope Haven, you will learn about the other services our center can provide such as therapy and family advocacy.
The Child Advocacy Center (CAC) model prioritizes Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which is an evidence based therapy treatment designed to reduce the impact of sexual abuse and trauma.
As our family advocate works with you and your child, you can be assured you will have the necessary tools and resources to support your child's needs following abuse.
Our Team
Board of Directors
Job openings
Hope Haven does not currently have any job opportunities. Please check back for future openings.
501(c)3 Non Profit Organization
EIN: 64-0852491
Hope Haven
Address: PO Box 3777, Bay St. Louis, MS 39521
Hours: Monday - Thursday 8am-4:30pm, Friday 8am-12pm
Phone: +12284666395
Email: info@hopehavencac.org
Hope Haven Children's Advocacy Center does not discriminate or refuse services on the basis of race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, height, weight, physical or mental ability, veteran status, military obligations, and marital status.
This policy also applies to internal promotions, training, opportunities for advancement, terminations, outside vendors, organization members and customers, service clients, use of contractors and consultants, and dealings with the general public.
If you believe you have been unlawfully denied any services, employment opportunity, or otherwise discriminated against by an employer in violation of Title VII, you should contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC may be contacted by calling 1-800-669-4000 or 1-800-669-6820 (TTY).
© 2024 by Hope Haven Children's Advocacy Center.