A child abuse assessment center was created in Dade County, Florida, and was funded by state and local government sources. Staff includes a project director, two clinical social workers, a follow-up case monitor, clerical support, and a psychologist. The center attempts to minimize trauma to the child victim of sexual and physical abuse by a reduction in the number of interviews the child will experience. This is accomplished by center staff interviewing the child in a sensitive environment, videotaping the interview, and by inter-agency coordination. The center assists in developing a sufficient legal case (if appropriate) for prosecutorial purposes by blending investigatory and clinical dimensions in interviewing. The center develops a plan for treatment and follow-up for the child and family as a result of a comprehensive assessment. Useful practices and procedures were found to include the following: (1) despite community support for such a program, the program needs to be carefully planned; (2) before services are provided, agencies should sign co-agreements describing division of responsibilities; (3) in developing protocols, line level input as well as administrative input is necessary for implementation; (4) an advisory board with representatives from the agencies, community, and state is needed; (5) multiple funding sources necessitate clear intent and clearly stated restrictions on the funds; and (6) intra-familial as well as extra-familial abuse should be given balanced consideration. (ABL)