Internship Stories

Marie Ogletree Twin Cedars Child Advocacy Center
The Global Studies Program aims to expose its students to the complexities of a globally connected society like ours. From the very first class, I was eager to experience the variety of subjects promised with this program. Very quickly, I found myself drawn to organizations focused on abuse and neglect. The Twin Cedars Child Advocacy Center of East Alabama stood out to me from the beginning of my internship search. The Child Advocacy Center, also referred to as the CAC, focuses on minimizing the negative impacts of abuse and neglect on children and their non-offending caregivers. The CAC receives referrals from Law Enforcement and DHR about potential child abuse cases. Once a case is identified, the child is brought into the CAC and undergoes a forensic interview. Forensic interviews are conducted to determine the validity of abuse allegations in a legally sound way. These interviews take into consideration the development of each child while also minimizing the number of times in which they have to repeat and relive their trauma. After the interview, the child is offered free trauma-focused therapeutic services within our agency. The non-offending caregivers are in constant contact with our Family Advocate to keep them updated on their cases and connect them with community resources they might need. During monthly meetings with Law Enforcement and DHR, each case is staffed and reevaluated to make sure that no child falls through the cracks.

This internship allowed me the opportunity to take an interest of mine and turn it into a tangible career. From the very first day, this internship was a personal test. Others in similar fields to this have described Ogletree 2 their personal struggles with trauma-exposed careers. This internship tested my ability to compartmentalize the trauma while encouraging self-care strategies to ensure longevity in this field. After working here, I have a clear idea of the next steps I can take when beginning my professional life. This organization and the staff have encouraged me to grow both personally and professionally. They are strong and powerful. They have pushed me to my fullest potential and inspire me everyday. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and the clarity it has given me. I will be staying on part-time at the CAC next semester to continue learning.