How We Help

At the Carrie Lynn Children's Center, our goal is simple: to create a safe and welcoming space where children who have experienced sexual or serious physical abuse can find the support they need. Our approach brings together experts from different fields to ensure children get the care and attention they deserve.

Our team coordinates investigations, medical care, counseling referrals, legal support, and training—all with a focus on the well-being of the child and family. We're here to make sure victims and families receive the help and protection necessary to heal and thrive.

Who We Help

We're here for kids under 18 in Boone and Winnebago Counties who've faced physical or sexual abuse. Every child we help comes to us through referrals from law enforcement or child protective services.

If you are looking to self-refer, please contact your local police or sheriff’s department of the Department of Children and Family Services as the first step.

Services

We offer a wide range of supportive services at our center, dedicated to helping children in need as comprehensively as possible.

Victim Services

Our Victim Services Program coordinates with law enforcement and other agencies, ensuring a sensitive and coordinated response. Our team conducts interviews, offers follow-up support, and provides legal advocacy. They can be contacted anytime with questions or concerns.

Our Victim Services Team:

• Cathleen Iasparro (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) – MDT Coordinator/Forensic Interviewer
• Joanna Deuth (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) – Forensic Interviewer
• Kim Larson (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) – Part-time Forensic Interviewer
• Natalee Schroeder (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) - Victim Advocate
• Katlyn Jaeger (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) - Victim Advocate
• Yaso Kury (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) – Client Support Specialist

Crisis Intervention

Our Crisis Intervention Program provides on-site therapy to address immediate needs. We offer five free sessions to victims and help families connect with long-term counseling services. They can be contacted anytime with questions or concerns.

Our Crisis Intervention Team:

• Kate Zucchi (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) – Clinical Director/Crisis Intervention Therapist
• Tonya Shanks (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) – Crisis Intervention Therapist
• Tina Ingram (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) – Crisis Intervention Therapist

Children's Medical Site

Our Medical Site has been serving child victims since 1995, providing formalized medical services under the Medical Evaluation Response Initiative Team (MERIT) Program associated with University of Illinois College of Medicine. The MERIT Program is the only program in the area that provides specialized, pediatric expert medical exams in a child-friendly atmosphere to suspected victims of child abuse and neglect.