A Statewide Network for
Child Protection
Every decision is intentional.
Every partnership is strategic.
Every response is child-centered.
The CACar Network: Two Pillars, One Purpose
Across Arkansas, protecting children from abuse is not the work of a single agency — it is the power of a united network. More than 1,500 dedicated professionals stand on the front lines through local Multidisciplinary Teams (MDTs) and Child Advocacy Centers (CACs), moving as one coordinated force to ensure every child is heard, protected and supported.
Together, this statewide network transforms collaboration into action — delivering safety, justice and hope to children and families when they need it most.
A Child-Centered Response
When a child in Arkansas discloses abuse, a coordinated response begins. Multiple agencies and professionals work together to protect the child, support the family and seek justice. From the initial report through investigation, medical care, mental health support and advocacy, each step is designed to reduce trauma, gather the information needed and help children and families move toward safety and healing.
A child tells a trusted adult about abuse.
A report is made to the Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline. DCFS and/or CACD begins their investigation.
The child is brought to their local Child Advocacy Center.
A CAC is a safe, child-friendly environment where abused children are provided trauma-informed services by trained professionals at no cost.
The child speaks with a forensic interviewer and receives a medical exam from a trained professional.
Forensic interviews are recorded and observed by an investigative team so the child only has to tell their story once. Afterwards, a medical exam is given to assess the child’s health and gather evidence for prosecutors.
The family receives mental health and advocacy services.
Mental health professionals and advocates work with the child and non-offending family members to assess critical resources and provide support as the case moves through the justice system.
A case review is conducted by CACs and MDTs.
Team members include law enforcement, prosecution, DCFS/CACD, the forensic interviewer, mental health provider, medical professional and family advocate.
Justice facilitated for all children and families.
Justice is different for every child. For some, it means their abuser is sent to jail. For others, justice comes when the abuse ends. And for many children, justice is not fully realized until they find hope and healing. No matter which way it is defined, CACs and MDTs are dedicated to ensuring that justice is served.
How We Strengthen the Network
Through CACar’s leadership, the network provides:
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A consistent response to child abuse in all 75 counties
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Strong collaboration between CACs and MDTs
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Continuous improvement through shared training, resources, and best practices
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Child-focused, trauma-informed care for every child served
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Critical funding and operational support for local CACs
When you support CACar, you strengthen the entire network of care — not just one center or team. Together, we guide every child in Arkansas toward safety, hope and healing.
As a sheriff I can assure our community that child abuse victims are provided the absolute best that Clark County and the State of Arkansas have to offer.
Jason Watson
Sheriff and Collector
Clark County
The collaboration through the CAC model strengthens our cases, improves communication among agencies and allows us to prioritize the wellbeing of the child while maintaining investigative integrity.
Captain Chelsey Stafford
Commander of CID and Narcotics
Crittenden County Sheriff Department
Rural communities face the greatest barriers — distance, cost, and limited services. [CACs] meet families where they are, reducing travel and accelerating access to care.
Yvette M. Guthre
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for
Baxter, Boone, Marion and Newton County
Without local CAC access, children’s disclosures go unheard, families lose critical support and trauma compounds.
Yvette M. Guthre
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for
Baxter, Boone, Marion, and Newton County
Without CACs, this office would lose the ability to evaluate cases at an early stage and proactively respond both with services for the victim and an appropriate law enforcement response for the offender.
Brandon Carter
Prosecuting Attorney
Arkansas 4th Judicial District
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