Child Survivors Justice Program
The Child Survivors Justice Program is an innovative, trauma-informed initiative within the Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney’s Office designed to enhance the recognition, assessment, investigation, and prosecution of child abuse and neglect cases. The program prioritizes the mental health and well-being of child victims while minimizing additional trauma throughout the criminal justice process.
Directed by Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor Kendall Patterson, the program integrates evidence-based, trauma-informed practices into every stage of prosecution. Core services include specialized training for law enforcement, prosecutors, and victim advocates; consultation on cases involving child victims and witnesses; and direct trauma-informed support for children and families prior to and during prosecution. The program also collaborates closely with the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) and Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) to ensure comprehensive, coordinated care.
Since joining the Office of the State’s Attorney in 2020, Ms. Patterson has led the development and delivery of specialized trauma-informed training for law enforcement, prosecutors, and multidisciplinary professionals. She serves on a multidisciplinary community resource care team connecting children and families in crisis to essential supports and is a trusted consultant on trauma-informed interviewing and victim advocacy in complex cases, including human trafficking and domestic and family violence. Ms. Patterson has also presented at multiple national conferences on child abuse and trauma-informed practices and regularly coordinates advanced training for attorneys, police officers, social workers, and other key stakeholders in child abuse prevention.
From its establishment the Child Survivors Justice Program has strengthened trauma-informed training countywide, improved forensic interviewing practices, enhanced multidisciplinary collaboration, and expanded access to clinical mental health services for child victims. Through ongoing research, program development, and community partnerships, the Child Survivors Justice Program continues to advance best practices in trauma-informed prosecution, positioning Anne Arundel County as a leader in child-centered justice.