Children's Advocacy Center
Help at a Critical Time
Children's Advocacy Center
Children's Advocacy Centers operate on the fundamental belief that protecting our children requires us to make our system work for them.
For the Child
Child Advocacy
Before Children’s Advocacy Centers, children who had experienced abuse often had to visit multiple agencies and repeat their story to different people—sometimes 5–10 times over weeks or months. These unfamiliar and intimidating settings could add to the trauma they had already experienced.
Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs) changed this by creating a safe, child-centered place where children can share what happened and receive the support they need. Children visit fewer agencies, participate in fewer interviews, and have quicker access to important services such as counseling and medical exams.
CAC’s utilize a Multi-Disciplinary Team that includes team members from local law enforcement, Child Protective Services, county and district attorney’s, mental health professionals and medical professionals. This Multi-Disciplinary Team works the child abuse cases together as a team- sharing information and collaborating; making decisions based on the child’s best interest. CAC’s provide the essential services that child victims and their non-offending family members need as they go through a child abuse investigation, and the healing process.
Forensic Interviews
A forensic interview is a semi-structured conversation with a child to gather facts about what may have happened to the child, or what they may have witnessed.
The guide below provides caregivers with helpful information on how to best prepare and support their child for the appointment.
What Families Can Expect
Coming to a Children’s Advocacy Center may feel unfamiliar, especially during an already difficult time. Our team is here to help you understand each step of the process.
Children and families are welcomed into a comfortable, child-friendly environment and connected with professionals who are specially trained to work with children and families affected by abuse.
You can ask questions. You can ask for help. You do not have to figure everything out on your own.
Family Advocacy
Families do not have to navigate this process alone.
Our Family Advocates provide ongoing support, information, resources, and referrals beginning with a family’s first visit to the Children’s Advocacy Center and continuing throughout their involvement with the Center.
Advocates can help families understand the investigative and court processes, connect with community resources, access needed services, and receive emotional support along the way.
Multidisciplinary Team Case Review
Helping children requires a team approach.
Our Multidisciplinary Team brings together professionals from law enforcement, Child Protective Services, prosecution, medical services, mental health, victim advocacy, and other agencies involved in child abuse investigations.
The team meets regularly to share information, coordinate services, and help ensure each child and family receives the support they need while reducing unnecessary duplication throughout the process.
Therapy & Counseling
Healing looks different for every child and family.
Our mental health services are designed to help children and caregivers process difficult experiences, build healthy coping skills, and begin healing in a safe and supportive environment.
Services may include individual counseling and developmentally appropriate therapeutic approaches based on the needs of each client.
Forensic Medical Evaluations
When needed, specialized medical evaluations are available to address a child’s health, safety, and well-being following concerns of abuse.
These evaluations are conducted by specially trained medical professionals and focus first on the child’s physical and emotional health. Medical professionals can identify and treat health concerns, provide reassurance and education, and document medical findings that may assist with an investigation when appropriate.