Agenda Date: 08/18/2026
Subject:
Title
Resolution 54-2026: Approving a Memorandum of Understanding between SungateKids Advocacy Center, Littleton Police Department, and various Arapahoe County agencies
Body
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From: |
James L. Becklenberg, City Manager |
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Prepared by: |
Gene Enley, Chief of Police |
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Kim Fresquez, Executive Assistant |
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Presentations: |
N/A |
PURPOSE:
Seeking council approval of a cooperative agreement among the SungateKids Child Advocacy Center (CAC), Littleton Police Department, and various Arapahoe County agencies to coordinate the responsibilities in connection with the investigation of child abuse cases or cases in which a child was a witness to violence, as well as cases involving vulnerable adult victims. This agreement ensures the best protection of the child victim, promotes the ends of justice and supports the utilization of SungateKids CAC to best meet the complex needs of the victim who has been abused.
LONG-TERM OUTCOME(S) SERVED:
Safe Community
DISCUSSION:
This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is to clarify and define the agreed upon roles and responsibilities of the various Arapahoe County agencies in the 18th Judicial District of Colorado, which is concerned with the investigation of child abuse and using SungateKids Child Advocacy Center for all forensic interviews involving children that are investigated through the Littleton Police Department. Through on-site collaboration and the use of various Arapahoe County agencies, the goal of this MOU is to improve the welfare of children (ages 0-18) by providing services that include prevention, investigation, assessment, protection, physical assessment, and therapeutic treatment of children who are victims of abuse and promote the successful prosecution of perpetrators who abuse children.
BACKGROUND:
Historically, the LPD has followed established protocols and procedures for coordinating a team response when investigating allegations of child abuse and/or neglect. The Littleton Police Department utilizes SungateKids Child Advocacy Center for all forensic interviews involving children who are victims or witnesses in cases of violent crimes, including physical abuse and sexual assault. SungateKids is the region’s accredited Child Advocacy Center, specializing in trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate forensic interviews conducted by trained professionals.
Using SungateKids provides several key benefits:
• Child-Centered Trauma-Informed Approach: SungateKids interviewers are specifically trained to speak with children in a manner that minimizes trauma, supports emotional safety, and allows them to share information in their own words and at their own pace.
• Improved Investigative Outcomes: Forensic interviews conducted in a controlled, professional setting by certified specialists result in higher-quality information for criminal investigations and prosecution, while reducing the number of times a child must be interviewed.
• Multidisciplinary Coordination: SungateKids operates on a multidisciplinary team model that brings together law enforcement, child protective services, prosecutors, medical providers, and mental health professionals - ensuring the child’s best interests guide every step of the process.
• Consistency and Best Practices: Partnering with SungateKids ensures interviews adhere to nationally recognized standards, meet evidentiary requirements, and align with best practices recommended for child abuse investigations.
The continued use of SungateKids is essential to providing a safe, supportive, and effective response for child victims in our community. Approval of this IGA formalizes our partnership, clarifies roles and responsibilities, and ensures continued access to specialized forensic interviewing services.
FISCAL IMPACTS:
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the Memorandum of Agreement between the SungateKids Advocacy Center, the Littleton Police Department, and various Arapahoe County agencies be approved.
ALTERNATIVES:
N/A
PROPOSED MOTION:
Proposed Motion
I move to approve Resolution 54-2026 approving a Memorandum of Understanding between SungateKids Advocacy Center, Littleton Police Department, and various Arapahoe County agencies.