The purpose of this project was to locate a potential funding source and write a grant to provide Mental Health Family Advocates (MHFAs) in a forensic interviewing center in Sonoma County. Redwood Children's Center (RCC) is a forensic interviewing center that serves children and youth under the age 18 years who are alleged victims of sexual abuse. Children are interviewed and medically examined if certain criteria are met in a child friendly environment.

MHFAs meet with families in crisis and link children and families to counseling services. A multidisciplinary team consisting of social workers, district attorneys, law enforcement, medical professionals, and interns work with the children and families. The objective of seeking funding for MHFAs through the National Child Traumatic Stress Network is to provide immediate support and linkages to referrals for counseling to serve child victims of sexual abuse and non-offending parents.