Clinical Services

At Juliette's House, children who have experienced abuse, neglect, or witnessed violence come to receive care and support. Our team, including healthcare, mental health, law enforcement, child protection, and family advocacy professionals, provides medical exams and interviews in a safe, child-friendly space. Caregivers leave with guidance to support their child's path to healing, minimizing trauma and focusing on the child's well-being.

  • When You Arrive

    When You Arrive

    Our comfortable, private waiting area with attached playroom is designed to be secure and welcoming spaces for you and your family. You will be offered coffee, tea, and snacks during your time at Juliette’s House; and before the evaluation starts, you and your child will have the process explained by the evaluation team: the medical provider, forensic interviewer, and family advocate.

  • The Child-Friendly Interview

    The Child-Friendly Interview

    Specially trained interviewers provide developmentally appropriate interviews for children and adolescents in a safe and neutral environment. The interviews are digitally recorded and are often observed by child protective services and law enforcement. This process minimizes the trauma of duplicative interviews for youth. They can take a break or end the interview at any time. 

  • The Medical Exam

    The Medical Exam

    Children and adolescents are offered a comprehensive head-to-toe physical exam aimed at evaluating a youth’s health and well-being. The exam is conducted by a medical provider with specialized training. The youth are in control of the medical exam, and we encourage them to feel empowered to make their own decisions about their level of participation.

  • What Happens Next

    What Happens Next

    Our family advocates can help you understand how this experience will impact your child and what you as a caregiver can do to help your child cope and recover. Our advocates have specialized training to offer emotional support, education, and referrals to additional resources in the community for ongoing services.

Meet Mac

Juliette’s House has a facility dog, MacDougal “Mac,” from Assistance Dogs Northwest, who provides comfort to children and teens during interviews and exams. Specially trained to calm in stressful situations, Mac was chosen for his gentle demeanor and love of children. Studies show that dogs can reduce blood pressure and heart rate, and Mac brings these benefits here, knowing 90 cues to help him connect. Please note that Mac may not always be available, so consider this when discussing him with your child before the visit.

Play Room
Mac with child horse dress.jpg
Mac with Cindy in the Exam Room
Mac spends time with a child
Mac and Cleo
Mac and Julie
Donated blankets!
Mock interview with a staff's child
Classy Mac
Super Hero Mac
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Mac's Inspirational Advice
Child hugs Mac in the Exam Room
Welcome Stuffy
Mac plays with a child
Mac with a staff's child
Mac comforts a child
Mac poses for a picture

Supporting Safety. Nurturing Strength.

  • "Children will not often tell their parents if someone is hurting them. They may worry about getting into trouble, not being believed, or that their parents will be distraught about it; so if they do tell someone, it’s usually someone further removed like a relative, teacher, or trusted adult. Please don’t ask your child why they didn’t tell you, just tell them how glad you are that they told someone."

    Julie Siepmann, LCSW
    Senior Clinical Services Director / Lead Forensic Interviewer

  • "When children and their caregivers are supported and nurtured, they can thrive in the face of great adversity, which in and of itself, is profoundly inspirational."

    Kate Anderson
    Forensic Interviewer

  • "While children need and always deserve tender loving care, they are amazingly resilient and for me, that is a hope-filled message."

    Rori Hartzell, DNP, FNP-c
    Medical Director / Principal Examiner

  • "The work we do can be emotionally and psychologically challenging. That being said, self-care is a necessary component when working in child advocacy."

    Cindy Millan, DNP, FNP-c
    Medical Provider

  • "It is amazing to see the funny, passionate, intelligent children that come through our doors. They are brave, kind, and hopeful. All the things that we work so hard to be as adults, children seem to innately possess. It's very humbling."

    Kayla Noffsinger
    Forensic Interviewer

  • "I wish people knew what a difference it makes to children when you tell them frequently that you love them."

    Becki Pehan
    Intake Specialist

  • "It's crucial for us as adults to ensure they feel heard and safe when they share their feelings! Empowering a child means advocating for their well-being."

    Stacey Ruiz, MSW
    Family Advocate

  • "Kids are usually always interested in playing with toys and using their imagination. In a world where we are surrounded by screens, it's refreshing to see kids come into our playroom and are immediately drawn to the doll house, play kitchen, and board games."

    Camilla Sumner
    Family Advocate & Internship Coordinator

  • "Woof Woof!"

    MacDougal “Mac”
    Facility Dog

Need more information or resources? Contact our Clinical Services Team to learn more.

For information about assessments and intaking:
Becki Pehan | Clinical Services Intake Specialist
503-687-1314
becki@julietteshouse.org or intake@julietteshouse.org

For information on resources:
Stacey Ruiz | Family Advocate
971-261-2885
stacey.ruiz@julietteshouse.org

OR

Camilla Sumner | Family Advocate & Internship Coordinator
503-687-1315
camilla@julietteshouse.org

Watch our Event Calendar for ongoing classes, groups, and trainings!