Frequently Asked Questions

The Tree House is a Child Advocacy Center, a safe place where everything a child needs after abuse comes together under one roof. We bring forensic interviewers, medical professionals, therapists, and family advocates together as one coordinated team. This approach helps investigate and respond to child abuse, and to cases where children have witnessed violent crimes, while keeping the child at the center.

We work closely with partner agencies, including the Montgomery County Department of Police, the Montgomery County Department of Child Welfare Services (DHHS), the Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office, and the Montgomery County Office of the County Attorney.

The Tree House is dedicated to reducing trauma and promoting healing for child and adolescent victims of sexual abuse, physical abuse, and neglect. We believe child abuse and neglect can be prevented.

The Tree House provides medical exams, forensic interviews, mental health services, and family advocacy, plus the H.O.P.E. Program for youth with problematic sexual behavior. Every service is free of charge, in a child-friendly environment, and available in English and Spanish.

No. Every service at the Tree House is free of charge. We never want money to stand in the way of a child's healing.

A forensic interview is a developmentally sensitive conversation led by a trained interviewer in a safe, supportive setting. The Tree House model is built so that a child only needs to tell their story once, instead of repeating it many times to different people.

What happens depends on which team member you are meeting. Our warm, welcoming environment stays the same. You will check in with our receptionist, who lets your provider know you have arrived, and we will keep you informed every step of the way. A Family Advocate will be there to answer questions and support your family.

Yes. The Tree House provides interpreter and translation services free of charge, in the language you choose. Just let us know what you need.

Child abuse is physical, emotional, or sexual harm to a child. Children are often hurt by people they trust, including teachers, coaches, faith leaders, and other adults in their lives.

Most children do not tell someone about abuse right away. This is common, and it is not your fault or theirs. Children may stay silent because:

They were told to keep it a secret

They were threatened

They feel embarrassed, guilty, or ashamed

They feel powerless to stop it

They worry about what will happen

They still care about the person who hurt them

They did not understand the behavior was wrong

They are afraid of getting in trouble

They worry no one will believe them

They want to protect their parent or caregiver

Your acceptance and support matter deeply to your child's healing. Offer encouragement, reassurance, and comfort. It helps to:

Stay calm

Listen without judgment or lots of questions

Acknowledge their feelings and how hard this is

Be careful about who you share the information with

Protect your child from further contact with the alleged offender

Never confront the alleged offender or their family

Surround yourself with supportive people

Lean on trusted adults for your own support, not your child

Be mindful of your emotional reactions in front of your child

Children who have experienced trauma may show changes such as crying, sadness, fearfulness, nightmares, anger, mood changes, aggressive behavior, changes in sleep, pulling away from others, clinging, anxiety, changes in school performance, changes in appetite, bed-wetting, tantrums, trouble concentrating, stomachaches or headaches, low self-esteem, or, in older children and teens, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or substance use.

Your child may show no symptoms at all. Watch for changes in behavior, and seek professional counseling if you are concerned. If your child is in immediate danger, see our Emergency Resources or call 911.

Referrals come from our community partners, including Child Welfare Services, partner agencies, a child's school, or a child's pediatrician. If you are a caregiver, you can ask one of these providers to refer your child. If you are not sure where to start, contact us and we will help point you in the right direction.

There are many ways to help children heal. You can give a one-time or monthly gift, attend Champions for Children, host a drive, or spread the word about our work. Every gift helps a child heal at no cost to their family.

These trusted resources can help:

About child abuse and neglect

Preventing child abuse and neglect

Responding to child abuse and neglect

Reporting abuse in Montgomery County, Maryland

For more parent and family resources, visit our Resources page.