About us
Empowering our Communities.
Learn about our unique approach to abuse response and prevention.
The Family Advocacy Center of Northern Minnesota
(FACNM) is an abuse assessment center that offers comprehensive medical care and treatment and a coordinated victim-centered response to those who have been physically or sexually abused.
Our Programs
Our three programs provide comprehensive and compassionate care to people of all ages and experiences.
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The Children’s Advocacy Center
Our highly trained and compassionate multidisciplinary team serves children (and their non-offending caregivers) who are alleged victims of crime and abuse.
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The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program
We offer 24/7 medical evaluations for children, adolescents and adults who have been sexually assaulted.
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The Intimate Partner Violence Program
The IPV Program offers safe and confidential medical exams and all-in-one care to any adult who’s been physically harmed by an intimate partner.
Our Locations
We offer our services through two locations: Bemidji & Brainerd. The Bemidji location offers Child Advocacy Center, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program, and Intimate Partner Violence Program services. The Brainerd location offers Child Advocacy Center services.
In addition we partner with Sanford Bemidji Medical Center to provide 24/7 evidentiary exams for children, adolescents and adults who have been sexually assaulted.
See our contact information and location hours here.
Our Multidisciplinary Approach
Our team is made up of a range of experts, each highly trained in their role to support children and adults through the complex difficulties of abuse. Our team members pool their respective skills to provide comprehensive, coordinated care, helping victims and their families spend less time repeating their story, navigating complex systems, and finding the right resources.
Across our three main programs, we work together to care for each victim and prevent future harm.
Our Team
Our process is streamlined and designed with your best interests in mind. When you walk through our doors, you’ll receive coordinated care from our highly trained staff.
About our Medical Team
Our medical team consists of forensic nurse clinicians who are trained to provide age-appropriate, comprehensive and trauma-sensitive medical exams.
About our Forensic Interviewers
Our Forensic Interviewers are specialized in providing an unbiased and consent-forward process for victims and their families.
About our Child & Family Advocates
Child and Family Advocates are trained experts who provide safe and comforting support for all families and individuals under the care of FACNM. These Advocates are well versed and experienced with the legal and social service systems who coordinate with us, tracking each case through its proceedings and ensuring the family understands their rights and is properly connected to treatment and services.
Our Collaborators
We work closely with our multidisciplinary team partners to ensure that you’re empowered and protected. Some of our partners include law enforcement & legal prosecutors, Child Protective Services, regional hospitals and medical providers, and mental health professionals.
Our Communities
Like most rural areas, Northern Minnesota lacks the population bases to support the funding of several abuse centers.
By combining the services required by abuse victims in one centralized regional center, we can meet the dire needs of over 26,000 square miles of Northern Minnesota.
Counties & Tribal Reservations Served
Counties
Aitkin
Beltrami
Cass
Clearwater
Crow Wing
Hubbard
Itasca
Kittson
Koochiching
Lake of the Woods
Mahnomen
Marshall
Norman
Pennington
Polk
Red Lake
Roseau
Reservations
Red Lake
Leech Lake
White Earth
17
Counties Served
3
Tribal Reservations Served
15
Years and Counting
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Our Mission
We ensure access to comprehensive, age-appropriate and culturally sensitive care for victims of child abuse, sexual assault, and intimate partner violence in northern Minnesota, without unnecessary stress and complication.
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Our Vision
We’re building a community that recognizes abuse, has access to the resources they need, and advocates for one another’s safety and well-being.
Our Values
Coordinated Care
Traditionally, victims and witnesses of abuse must re-tell their stories a dozen times or more, to law enforcement, social services, caregivers, and health providers. This is both exhausting and unnecessary. Our streamlined process helps patients by organizing their care and requiring only one interview.
Sensitivity
We specialize in supporting children and adults through some of the most vulnerable and scary moments in life. We’re committed to providing care that is age appropriate, culturally sensitive, and empathetic towards victims and their families.
Empowerment
It’s our mission to educate and connect each child, adult, or family with the resources available to them. Our Child and Family Advocates work in the best interest of the patient through any follow-up steps, including legal proceedings, social services, and medical and mental health care. In addition, we empower our neighbors with community outreach and education.
Got questions?
Head to each of our individual program pages for program-specific information.
Need to speak with someone after hours?
If you need help right away, we encourage you to call 911 or your local hospital.