Why are CACs Important?
CACs play a crucial role in helping families navigate complex systems, limiting exposure to trauma, and reducing child abuse nationwide. In the last year, CACs nationwide served over 380,000 children and investigated 250,000 cases involving sexual abuse.
3.6 million children are abused in the United States each year. 60% of children who are victims of abuse never tell anybody about it. CACs offer a compassionate and safe environment for children to disclose and recieve support.
What is a CAC?
A Child Advocacy Center is a place where children are heard, supported, and can heal from suspected trauma and abuse. These facilities offer services that are tailored to each child's needs. Our job is to ensure that families are supported throughout the entire process of an investigation. Our center is kid-friendly and emphasizes the importance of limiting additional traumas by employing research-based practices to minimize the number of times an event is recalled.
Multi-Disciplinary Team
CACs operate using a special approach called a Multi-disciplinary Team or MDT. MDTs are made up of professionals from different areas of expertise working towards the same goal of helping children. These teams typically include medical professionals, forensic interviewers, prosecutors, law enforcement, advocates, and more! Together we answer questions, find solutions, and seek justice for victims of abuse.
