What is a CAC?
A Child Advocacy Center (CAC) is a safe, child-friendly and supportive environment where children who have experienced abuse or neglect can access trauma-informed services close to home and at no cost.
CACs are designed to reduce stress and trauma by bringing essential services together in one place, so families don’t have to navigate multiple agencies and children only have to tell their story once.
Suspect Abuse? Call the Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline
Call 1-844-SAVE-A-CHILD (or 1-800-482-5964) to Report Child Abuse in Arkansas. Learn More
Where Children and Teams Connect
Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) provide a safe, child-friendly, and supportive environment where children who have experienced abuse or neglect can access trauma-informed services close to home. CACs are designed to reduce stress for children and families by offering essential services in one welcoming location so families don’t have to navigate multiple agencies or repeat their story multiple times.
What is a trauma-informed response?
A trauma-informed response is a specialized, child-focused approach to child abuse cases delivered by trained experts who understand trauma and put the child’s needs first at every step.
CAC Services
At a CAC, children and families receive services tailored to their needs. All services are provided at no cost:
Advocacy
Crisis assessment, safety planning, resource referrals and guidance for children and caregivers through the investigation and court process.
Forensic Interviews
Child-focused interviews using the ChildFirst® protocol to gather legally sound information to support investigations and prosecution.
Medical
Gentle, trauma-informed medical evaluations to assess a child’s health, gather evidence and provide follow-up care.
Mental Health
Evidence-based therapy to help children process trauma and build resilience, and to support non-offending caregivers.
Prevention
Training for children, parents, caregivers and professionals using child abuse education and prevention curriculum.
Arkansas CACs provided 145,235 direct services to 13,568 children and families in 2025.
The CAC Model
The CAC Model is a nationally recognized, evidence-based approach to responding to child abuse that prioritizes coordination, consistency and the well-being of children. It brings law enforcement, forensic interviewers, medical and mental health professionals together as a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT).
The CAC Model is effective because it:
Puts children first
Every decision centers on the child’s safety, well-being and long-term healing.
Reduces trauma
Children receive all services at one place, significantly reducing the amount of times they have to share their story.
Provides a coordinated response
By collaborating from the start of a case, MDTs align on investigations, treatment and support services around the needs of the child and non-offending caregivers.
Uses evidence-based practices
CACs follow nationally recognized standards and research-backed approaches with proven outcomes.
Ensures statewide consistency and support
Through CACar, CACs receive training, funding, technical assistance and oversight to ensure high-quality services across the state.
