CACar Trainings & Programs
CACar supports Arkansas CACs, MDTs and partner organizations by offering no-cost training, technical support, practical resources and educational programs aimed at improving the statewide response to child abuse and neglect.
50
Training sessions offered to strengthen skills across Arkansas
1,273
Professionals equipped to protect children and improve outcomes
209
Technical assistance requests answered to support teams statewide
Based on data from Jan 1. - Dec. 31, 2025.
CACar Training Courses
For more information on trainings and programs, please contact training@cacark.org.
ChildFirst® Arkansas Forensic Interview Protocol
Open to CAC Forensic Interviewers and Investigative MDT Partners
This training equips child abuse professionals with skills to conduct forensic interviews as part of a MDT response. The course covers child development, memory and suggestibility, court testimony, legal issues and preparing children for court. It includes lectures, discussions, recorded interview reviews, hands-on exercises and interview practice.
ChildFirst® Arkansas is offered by Children's Advocacy Centers of Arkansas in partnership with Zero Abuse Project.
Foundations of Advocacy
Open to CAC Advocates
This training develops foundational skills needed for victim service and agency collaboration as part of the multidisciplinary response. CAC advocates receive holistic training on subjects, including crisis intervention, sexual abuse dynamics, court and the criminal justice system, coordinated MDT response and much more. This training incorporates lecture and discussion, mock case review, skill-building exercises and an opportunity to meet and work with MDT members from across the state.
What to Expect When Working Child Abuse Cases
Open to CAC Staff and Investigative MDT Partners
This training orients MDT members to the dynamics surrounding child abuse cases. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of their role within the team, the investigative process and how coordinated, child-focused responses reduce trauma and improve outcomes.
This course is designed for MDT professionals who do not conduct forensic interviews.
New Executive Director Training
Open to CAC Executive Directors
This training provides new CAC executive directors with a clear understanding of core CAC functions, roles and responsibilities to establish a strong operational baseline to lead confidently and effectively from day one. It also provides practical guidance on navigating the MDT, board relationships and statewide expectations to ensure alignment and long-term success. Directors continue learning through 12 months of virtual, topic-based cohort calls and optional one-on-one mentorship.
CACar Educational Programs
For more information on trainings and programs, please contact training@cacark.org.
Forensic Interview Peer Review
Open to CAC Forensic Interviewers and Investigative MDT Partners
This program provides CAC forensic interviewers and investigative MDT partners with the opportunity to strengthen adherence to best practices through the review and constructive discussion of video-recorded interviews, interview techniques and current relevant research. The program is designed to foster professional development, enhance interviewing skills and strengthen collaborative relationships among forensic interviewers.
National Children’s Alliance (NCA) Accreditation Standards require CAC forensic interviewers participate in a structured forensic interview peer review process at least twice per year.
Advocacy Peer Review
Open to CAC Advocates and CAC Staff
This program provides CAC advocates with opportunities to collaborate with a cohort of like-minded people and work through common challenges and current trends in service delivery. Participants receive evidence-based professional development, engage in constructive discussions of case dynamics and specific client engagement techniques and review current relevant research.
National Children’s Alliance (NCA) Accreditation Standards require CAC advocates complete eight hours of ongoing professional development every two years. In addition, CACar chapter membership requires CACs to attend peer review at least twice per year.
Connections: Mental Health Consultation Forum
Open to CAC Staff
This forum is a virtual meeting space for CAC mental health practitioners to participate in quarterly peer consultation. Participants use this time to seek input on challenging cases, exchange practical strategies and enhance their clinical practice.
CAC Roadmapping
Open to CAC Staff
This program is a structured strategic planning process that guides CACs through program-level assessment and evaluation of current operations to identify priorities and develop a clear, actionable plan to strengthen services and sustainability. The process engages staff, the Executive Director and the board to ensure alignment, shared ownership and a unified path forward.
CAC Accreditation Station
Open to CAC Staff
This program is a 12-week virtual cohort designed to guide CACs through the accreditation and reaccreditation process. Participants are walked through all 10 NCA standards and receive practical guidance to prepare for a successful site visit. The cohort also provides structured support, resources and consistent check-ins to keep centers on track throughout the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Trainings have different eligibility requirements depending on the subject, but they are typically intended for CAC staff and/or MDT members.
For more information on trainings and programs, please contact training@cacark.org.
We offer in-person, virtual and hybrid training opportunities. To learn more or register, click "register" for any of the trainings listed above, or contact training@cacark.org with any questions.