OCEAN COUNTY’S CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTER – DEDICATED TO MEMORY OF CHILD ABUSE UNIT DETECTIVE *** DEDICATION CEREMONY 9/26 OPEN TO MEDIA *** PRESS WILL BE GIVEN FULL TOUR OF THIS STATE OF THE ART FACILITY
Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato today announced that 2 pm on September 26, 2014, at 7 Hadley Place prosecutor staff, along with Tina Rambo’s family and friends will gather for the dedication of Ocean County’s newly renovated Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) to the memory of Detective Tina Rambo who was killed three years ago in a 2011 motor vehicle accident.
Prosecutor Coronato stated, “The center which exists to reduce the impact of abuse and minimize secondary trauma to child victims will be known as “Tina’s House”, honoring the memory of a detective who worked tirelessly to obtain that objective”.
Detective Tina Rambo, 35, served ten years with the Office of the Ocean County Prosecutor. She was responding to work on August 1, 2011 when she was killed in a car crash in Southampton Township, NJ. Tina’s car was struck head-on as she drove in the east bound lane of Route 70 by a vehicle travelling in the opposite direction that entered her lane of travel in violation of New Jersey’s Motor Vehicle statutes.
“Tina’s House” will serve as Ocean County’s comprehensive, child friendly facility that provides a multi-disciplinary team response to allegations of child abuse. It brings together members from law enforcement, child protection, prosecution, mental health, medical and victim advocacy, to make team decisions regarding the management of child abuse cases. When working with child victims, the team utilizes a “child first ” approach to ensure children and loved ones do not suffer any additional trauma.
Child victims will find in “Tina’s House” a ranch style home with a warm and welcoming nautical theme throughout the building. The waiting rooms resemble living rooms and are equipped with televisions, toys, games and books.
In this comforting environment, a forensic interviewer and possibly other professionals involved in each case, meet with victims and their loved ones to explain the investigative process and answer any concerns. While children are being interviewed, an advocate will meet parents or guardians to provide emotional support, information about the justice system and make referrals for counseling and services.
The Center is designed to provide a calm child friendly environment that will minimize stress to the child, while allowing the interviewer to gather accurate information regarding the allegations. “Tina’s House” is staffed by Forensic Interviewers with specialized training in interviewing children. They are experienced in conducting interviews of children of all ages and strive to do so in a non-threatening, non-suggestive, developmentally appropriate manner. Other services provided at “Tina’s House” may include: medical exams by a certified Forensic Nurse, mental health referrals, victim/witness advocacy, community outreach services and prevention programs.
“Tina’s House” is a division of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and home to the Special Victim’s Unit. It is located at 7 Hadley Avenue in Toms River, New Jersey. Anyone seeking information or wanting to report abuse can call 732 929-2027. Below is a list of extensions and additional resources available:
For the Special Victims Duty Officer, dial ext. 5323
For the Special Victims Advocate, dial ext. 3923
For the Main Office Administrative Assistant dial ext. 2910
For the Spanish Speaking Administrative Assistant dial 3647
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