Background Statement
Ralston House was developed in 1990 to assist in the investigative process of child sexual abuse cases. It was founded through the Arvada Police Department to provide a child-friendly, safe and neutral environment where police detectives, social workers, mental health and medical professionals could talk with children and their families in surroundings that would lessen the anxiety of a child who had been assaulted. Children and teens who have been sexually or physically abused can tell their stories, undergo a comprehensive medical exam and receive victim support services in a safe, respectful environment as they begin to heal from the trauma they have experienced without being re-traumatized in the process.
Ralston House is the only non-hospital center in the 1st and 17th Judicial Districts providing pediatric forensic medical sexual assault exams. Ralston House now also works with the District Attorney's Office and the FBI to interview teens who have been trafficked or who are at high risk.