McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Center

McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Center accepts referrals from the Child Abuse Referral and Evaluation Program (CARE), Law Enforcement, Child Protective Services and other collaborating agencies.  However, if you have questions, concerns, or are unsure where to begin, we encourage you to call and speak to one of the Child and Family Advocates at (315) 701-2985.

Child and Family Advocates

When you arrive at McMahon/Ryan, you will be greeted in a safe, child-friendly environment by a Child and Family Advocate.  The Child and Family Advocate will help provide a support system for the victims of child abuse and their families through court assistance, mental health referrals, and by offering ongoing case management services.  The Child and Family Advocate works with non-offending family members and child victims in order to promote healing and growth.  They facilitate and coordinate with a variety of other agencies including the Child Abuse Response Team (CART).  The Child and Family Advocate will work with you each step of the way so that you do not have to go through this alone.

CARE Intake & Exam

The caregiver will first meet with Nurse Nancy Mitchell, Social Worker Elizabeth Kinsey and a Child and Family Advocate.  During this interview, you will be asked about your child’s history and what brought you to the CARE program.  Medical background for your child will also be gathered.

The child will meet with Nurse Anne Galloway who will explain everything that will happen during the medical exam.  The caregiver is allowed to be present during the exam.  Dr. Ann Botash or Dr. Alicia Pekarsky will examine your child.  They will check their head, arms, legs, chest and private parts.

After the exam is complete, the doctor and nurse will sit down with you to give you a better understanding of your child's exam and their results.

Don’t hesitate to bring up any questions or concerns during any point of the intake or exam.

Interview process

When a family arrives at McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Center, a law enforcement detective or child protective services investigator will meet with the parents to explain the process and what will happen during the interview.  The trained detective and/or child protective investigator will talk to the child in one of the child-friendly interview rooms.  After the interview, the detective and/or child protective services investigator will meet with the parent to discuss the next steps.

Mental Health

McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Center has three therapists on-site and works with many local mental health professionals to provide individual, family, and group counseling to those affected by child abuse.

Additional resources

• National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
• RAINN - The nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization.
• Vera House - Vera House aims to end domestic abuse and sexual violence, to empower abused women and children, and to promote equality and respect in relationships.
• New York State Office of Children and Family Services
• National Children's Alliance
• Parents Trauma Resource Center
• Prevent Child Abuse New York
• New York State Sex Offender Registry
• Darkness to Light - a national organization focused on educating adults about child abuse