Children's Advocacy Centers Day

Arkansas recognizes Children’s Advocacy Centers Day on April 11th, 2019

Little Rock, AR - On Thursday, April 11, 2019, Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas will celebrate the first Children’s Advocacy Centers Day in Arkansas. On March 13, 2019 the Arkansas House of Representatives passed HCR 1010 proclaiming April 11, 2019 as “Children’s Advocacy Center Day” in Arkansas as part of the National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The Arkansas Senate passed it on April 10th. The resolution recognizes that abuse and neglect of children is a significant public health problem, and commends the important work being done to combat the problem. We are deeply grateful for our 135 state legislators, who sponsored/co-sponsored the resolution and unanimously passed it through both houses. Governor Asa Hutchinson ceremoniously signed the resolution on Tuesday, April 9th.

In 2018, an estimated 350,000 were served by child advocacy centers nationwide. In Arkansas, 17 Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACS) and 7 satellites offices served an estimated over 6,000 child victims of abuse. Services provided to children free of charge at the CACs include: forensic interviews, medical exams, mental health therapy, advocacy for themselves and their families, and prevention education. .CACs are community-based facilities which utilize a multi-disciplinary approach to reduce trauma to child victims. Collaboration between medical, mental health, prosecutorial, child protective service and law enforcement professionals serve the best interest of young victims and assist in the healing process.