What is a CAC?
CAC Defined:
A Child Advocacy Center, CAC, is a community-based facility which uses a multidisciplinary approach to reduce trauma to child victims of physical abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect. Collaboration exists between medical, mental health, prosecutorial, child protective service, and law enforcement in an effort to serve the best interests of young victims.The Mission:
Protecting Arkansas’s children by investing in Child Advocacy Centers in our state.Services provided come at no cost to victims or their families.
The Problem: Over 35,000 child abuse cases investigated in Arkansas.
Our Approach
Forensic Interviews
- Trained Interviewer
- Accepted best practices
- Better disclosures
- Team work
- Digital recording
- Reduced number of interviews
Family Advocacy
- Introduction to the process
- Family support
- Guide through investigation
- Extensive follow up
- Court Preparation
-
Connection to services
- Mental Health
- Food, Shelter, Clothing
- Legal
- Immigration
Community Awareness & Education
- Mandated Reporter trainings
- Prevention
- Body Safety
- Internet Safety
- Churches, child care facilities, schools
Mental Health Program
- Crisis Intervention
- Long-term trauma-informed treatment
- Evidenced-based practices
- Reduces the long-term effect of traumatic experiences
- CAC children are TWICE as likely to receive mental health services.
Medical Exams
- Specialized exams for child abuse
- Ensures health and safety of a child
- Collect important evidence
- Reassure children and their caregivers
- Providers with child abuse expertise (SANEs)
- CAC children are 4x more likely to receive a medical exam.
We don't fight alone
- Local Law Enforcement
- Local Prosecuting Attorney’s Office
- DHS - Department of Children and Family Services
- Arkansas State Police
- Mental Health Professionals
- Specialized Medical Professionals
- Juvenile Court Systems
- Community Partners
- FBI
- Military Investigators
What makes CACs so great?
CACs prevent abuse and keep children safeCAC in Arkansas serves over 10,000 children each year!
Committed to research-supported practices
Funding Sources
- State Funding
- Arkansas Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Federal Grants– Victims of Crime Act
- Local Grants – United Way and Foundations
- National Children’s Alliance Grant
- Crime Victims Reparations
- Individual Donations
- Organized Fundraisers