Child Abuse Resource Center

The First Witness Child Abuse Resource Center opened in Duluth, Minnesota, in 1993. The Center was the initiative of a collaboration of public and private agencies responsible for the investigation, assessment, prosecution and medical intervention of children who report abuse. Prior to the First Witness project, children who reported abuse were likely to be interviewed 4-5 times during the course of investigation assessment. Those involved with the process saw the need for change.

First Witness is a charter member of the National Children's Alliance. Today, the Center's primary focus is to facilitate forensic interviews and provide support services for children.

The forensic interview process developed by the Child Abuse Resource Center has grown to be recognized internationally. Each person trained in the process is making his or her community a safe place for children to grow and thrive.

Our Vision

Our vision is of a society that supports children and ends child abuse.

Our Mission

The mission of First Witness Child Abuse Resource Center is to strengthen our community's response to child abuse. We provide support for the investigation and assessment of child abuse cases, in addition to providing nationally recognized educational training for professionals.

We are making our community a safe place for children to grow and thrive.