Chances for Children

Child abuse and neglect are a major problem and a major concern for communities throughout the United States.  We all know that the problem exists.

The real question becomes, "What happens to a child victim once he or she discloses?"

In the past child abuse victims and their families were bounced from the child welfare office, to the sheriff or police department, to the hospital, to the prosecutors office repeatedly telling their stories of abuse.  The criminal justice system, a system primarily designed for adult perpetrators not child victims, lacked coordination between law enforcement, child protective services, prosecutions, mental health and medical agencies.  Duplication of efforts, along with multiple unnecessary and traumatic interviews for the children, had become the norm in child abuse cases.

CAC creates a safe and calming place for children when they have been sexually or physically abused; coordinates the professionals involved in the investigation and prosecution of the criminal case; performs forensic interviews and medical exams; advocates for the child in court; offers mental health counseling and provides safe visitation for families in child-friendly environment under one roof.

The CAC can decrease the overall impact of abuse by reducing further victimization to abused children; by increasing the number of successful prosecutions of perpetrators; by increasing the number of successful prosecutions of perpetrators; by encouraging parents and caregivers to stop abusive and neglectful behaviors; by reducing the long-term cost to society; by decreasing the number of child abuse victims through awareness and prevention education.