Allen Child Protection Center

Hours and Directions

Hours of Operation

  • Monday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Thursday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sunday: Closed


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Child Protection Center

The Allen Child Protection Center (ACPC) provides assistance for children or dependent adults who may be victims of abuse, or have witnessed a violent crime. The ACPC uses a multi-disciplinary team approach and works closely with the Department of Human Services and law enforcement. The center provides forensic interviews, medical examinations, family advocacy services, and mental health counseling.

Referrals

Referrals to the Allen Child Protection Center are made through the Department of Human Services, law enforcement, and medical providers. The center's staff are happy to answer questions and provide more information to individuals or community groups. Please contact the ACPC for more information. If you have a suspicion of child abuse, contact the Department of Human Services.

Resources

For Children
  • I Can Be Safe: A First Look at Safety (Pat Thomas, 2003)
  • Your Body Belongs to You (Cornelia Maude Spelman, 1997)
  • No Trespassing – This is MY Body (Pattie Fitzerald, 2011)
  • Do You Have a Secret (Jennifer Moore-Mallinos, 2005)
  • A Terrible Thing Happened (Margaret M. Holmes, 2000)
For Parents
  • The Sex-Wise Parent (Janet Rosenzweig, 2012)
  • Protecting the Gift (Gavin de Becker, 2000)
  • The Boy's Body Book: Fifth Edition (Kelli Dunham, 2019)
  • The Girl's Body Book: Fifth Edition (Kelli Dunham, 2019)
For Adults/Survivors
  • The Body Keeps the Score
  • Beginning to Heal (Ellen Bass & Laura Davis, 2003)

Events & Training

Community Presentations

Allen Child Protection Center (ACPC) staff provide presentations about the ACPC to community organizations, groups, and any other interested party who wish to know more about our services for fundraising or awareness purposes. Presentations include an overview of our services, information about the children and families we serve, and ways the community can become involved in our vision to end child abuse. For more information or to set up training sessions and presentations, please contact the ACPC at (319) 226-2345.

Minimal Facts Interviewing

Minimal facts interviewing training teaches professionals likely to receive a report of child abuse how to appropriately gain information from the child without compromising the investigation. Participants will learn to do's and don'ts associated with interviewing children, how their information is applied to the investigation, information about child protection centers, and risk factors and warning signs for abuse. The training is taught by trained forensic interviewers and is based on knowledge of child development and participation in child abuse investigations.

Our History

The Allen Child Protection Center first opened its doors in May 2010 for forensic interviews. In July 2011, the center started conducting medical evaluations. The center continued to grow and in October 2012, the ACPC received accreditation from the National Children's Alliance. In 2017, the ACPC was re-accredited under new, rigorous standards. The center has mental health therapists trained in evidence-based mental health treatment methods to help patients and families. Also in 2017, the center opened a satellite location in Cerro Gordo County to provide services for families in northern Iowa closer to their homes.

Allen Child Protection Center Button Jar.jpg
Button Jar

ACPC patients have the opportunity to pick a unique button to put in the button jar. The button jar represents all the patients seen at the ACPC and provides a visual message for patients and their families that they are not alone.