What is a CAC?: Embracing Hope and Healing in the Wake of Child Abuse

More than 380,000 children visit Child Advocacy Centers each year.

In the fight against child abuse, Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) stand as beacons of hope and healing.

These specialized centers provide critical support to children who have endured abuse, ensuring they receive comprehensive care in a child-friendly, homelike environment.

What is a Child Advocacy Center?

A Child Advocacy Center (CAC) is a specialized facility designed to support children who are victims of abuse. The mission of CACs is to ensure that children receive the care they need while minimizing additional trauma. These centers provide a safe and supportive environment where children can begin to heal from their experiences.

Child Advocacy Centers emerged in response to the need for a coordinated, child-focused approach to handling child abuse cases. Traditionally, children who experienced abuse were often subjected to multiple interviews and repeated medical exams, causing additional trauma. CACs like The CARE Center were established to streamline this process, offering a single, safe location where children and their caregivers can receive the care and support they need.

By bringing together various professionals and resources, CACs minimize the need for children to recount their experiences multiple times, which can be re-traumatizing. Instead, we provide a compassionate, child-centered environment that focuses on healing and hope.

Crucial Services Provided by CACs:

Forensic Interviews

Picture this: A child walks into a CAC, where they’re greeted not by a cold, clinical environment, but by warm, supportive staff ready to listen and help. The forensic interviews here are crafted to make sure their voice is heard gently and safely.

Medical Evaluations

Medical evaluations are conducted by professionals in the field. These evaluations are essential for identifying any physical evidence of abuse and providing necessary medical care. At The CARE Center, we partner with OU Children’s Hospital to ensure the children who visit our facility are given the proper care and medical attention.

Counseling and Therapy

CACs offer counseling and therapy services to help children process their experiences and cope with the emotional aftermath of abuse. These therapeutic services are crucial for supporting long-term healing and recovery. At The CARE Center, we offer both long and short-term counseling free of charge.

Mental health intervention is a critical step for children who experience trauma. To meet this need, we offer on-site or virtual counseling, crisis intervention services, observational assessments, mental health education, and referrals to off-site, long-term counseling through partner agencies.

Family Advocacy

Family advocates work closely with families to provide support, information, and resources throughout the investigation and healing process. They help families navigate the complexities of the legal and social systems and connect them with additional support services. CACs also offer resource support, helping families access community resources and services that can aid in their recovery and ensure they have the tools they need to support their child’s healing journey.

What is the Multidisciplinary Team?

The Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) is a collaborative group of professionals from various fields, including law enforcement, child protection services, medical personnel, and mental health experts. This team convenes together at The CARE Center to provide a comprehensive, coordinated response to child abuse cases.

The MDT approach ensures that all aspects of a child’s care and legal needs are addressed in a coordinated manner. By working together, these professionals can share information, develop strategies, and provide a seamless support system for both the child and their caregivers.

How CACs are Making a Difference

Nestled in the heart of Oklahoma City, The CARE Center is meant to be a haven for children who have suffered abuse. CACs provide children with a range of services that address their physical, emotional, and psychological needs – all in one centralized location. This support helps children heal from their experiences and regain a sense of safety and stability.

Educación para la Prevención

CACs also play a role in prevention education, helping to raise awareness about child abuse and providing resources to prevent abuse before it occurs. The CARE Center offers two prevention education programs. RUGIDO is a child-based education program that teaches children ages 4-8 how to protect themselves from abuse. Our adult education program, Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect (R&R), is designed to teach adults how to spot the signs of abuse or neglect and how to report it.

Donar

Our lionhearted donors play a critical role in our mission. With inflation on the rise, CACs are in greater need of financial support than ever before.

Donations play a critical role in ensuring that CAC’s can continue to provide essential services to children and families.

Take a look at the impact your donation can make:

$25 – Provides a stuffed animal and BRAVE pack for a child

$50 – Provides therapy supplies and mental health resources for a child

$100 – Provides one session of therapy for a child

$250 – Provides advocacy services and resources to families and caregivers

$500 – Provides ROAR prevention education training for one school

$1,000 – Helps one child share their story in a safe environment

Join us in making a difference — your support can turn hope into healing for countless children.

Click here to donate and be a part of their recovery journey.

Educación para la Prevención

Have a school or youth serving organization that could be impacted by ROAR or an R&R? Contact Shelby Lynch, Director of Education: shelby@carecenter-okc.org

Volunteer Opportunities

CACs rely on dedicated volunteers during the day to support our programs and services. If you or your organization are interested in making a difference, consider exploring volunteer opportunities with The CARE Center. Contact Hailey McClain, Guest Experience Manager: hailey@carecenter-okc.org

Child Advocacy Centers are vital in the fight against child abuse, offering comprehensive support and care to children and families. By supporting local CACs like El Centro CARE, you can help ensure that these essential services continue to make a difference in your community.