• A neutral, child-friendly place where alleged victims of abuse can share the details of their abuse experience with trained, caring professionals
  
  

• A program to provide abused children with specialized mental health and medical services to treat their physical and psychological health needs
  
  

• A forum or “home” where law enforcement, child protection workers, prosecutors, therapists, medical providers and victim advocates can share information and develop coordinated strategies tailored to the needs of each case
  
  

• A system of support for abused children and their non-offending caregivers to connect families with resources to resolve the abuse crisis
  

A children’s advocacy center (CAC) may be described many ways. In essence, children’s advocacy centers are the most effective model available today to coordinate the investigation and treatment services for children involved in allegations of sexual or serious physical abuse.They bring together all of the agencies involved in each case in a unique model of collaboration designed to ensure children are not re-victimized by the very system designed to protect them.

CACs in Kansas are each unique in their delivery of services to children in their community. Children’s Advocacy Centers in Kansas are located in a variety of settings, including remodeled residential homes, custom-built, free-standing facilities, private office suites and even a mobile RV. Each CAC in Kansas has developed a multidisciplinary team in each county served that engages in regular interdisciplinary case review. By working together, the team improves decision-making on each child’s case.

While distinct in some ways, all CACs share a commitment to the accreditation standards of the National Children’s Alliance and to meeting the goals of the CAC model:

• More immediate follow-up to child abuse reports

• More efficient medical and mental health services

• Reduction in the number of child victim interviews

• Increased successful prosecution to hold offenders accountable

• Consistent support for child victims and non-offending family members.

For more information, or if interested in developing a CAC in your area, contact the Executive Director.