Puerto Rico Plans New Child Advocacy Center Model
Officials study an Omaha-based advocacy model to improve child medical and forensic support services in the territory.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Autism
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Officials from Puerto Rico visited Project Harmony in Omaha to study its child advocacy model as they prepare to open a new center. The delegation met with medical and mental health teams to learn how the multidisciplinary approach coordinates care and forensic documentation.
Why it matters
Child advocacy centers consolidate medical, mental health, and legal services to better support children during investigations. Puerto Rico is adopting this model to improve the care and support available to families in the territory.
The visit involved a review of the multidisciplinary team approach used by Project Harmony, which integrates medical and forensic experts. While the model is established in Omaha, the clinical efficacy of implementing this framework in the Puerto Rico territory remains to be seen.
The players
Project Harmony
An Omaha-based organization that operates a multidisciplinary child advocacy center to support children through forensic and mental health services.
The details
The model relies on a multidisciplinary team approach that synchronizes the efforts of medical, mental health, and law enforcement professionals to minimize trauma for children. Visiting officials specifically reviewed the use of the Cortex FLO forensic medical camera system. This technology allows for the precise, standardized documentation of physical injuries, which is essential for forensic medical examinations in cases of abuse.
Timeline
October 22, 2026: Puerto Rico delegation visited the Omaha facility.
Health Landscape
The transition toward centralized, multidisciplinary child advocacy aligns with national efforts to reduce the trauma of investigations. This approach reflects a broader trend of integrating medical diagnostic technology directly into specialized care centers.
This development underscores the importance of having integrated medical and psychological support services available within a single facility. Families seeking coordinated care should consult with local pediatricians or advocacy organizations to identify similar multidisciplinary resources in their area.
The takeaway
Coordinated advocacy models improve care by reducing the need for children to retell their experiences across different agencies. If you suspect a child needs specialized forensic medical services, discuss available local support networks with a pediatrician or public health official.
Further reading
For more on how specialized care centers support children and families, visit our Autism section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KETV.
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