St. Patrick Hospital - First Step Resource Center

What is it?

The First Step Resource Center at St. Patrick Hospital incorporates a children’s advocacy center and an adult sexual assault response team. The hospital coordinates with medical and mental health providers, social service professionals, patient advocates and law enforcement and prosecution officials to pursue the truth in child abuse and adult sexual assault investigations. The team investigates and prosecutes, as well as provides assessment, treatment, education and prevention.

Who is it for?

Children, families and adults in Missoula and surrounding counties.

Why do they do it?

First Step ensures an effective, efficient, coordinated and consistent delivery of services – putting the victim at the center of the response.

Impact

Since 2000, First Step has served more than 2,650 clients, approximately 80 percent of which are children. The collaborative approach results in stronger investigations and convictions, as well as better supportive services for families, including mental health, medical care, and advocacy.

Contact: Mary Pat Hansen, APRN
First Step Clinical Supervisor
Telephone: 406-329-5776, ext. 2
E-mail: mphansen@saintpatrick.org