Children & Family Advocacy Center

The Children & Family Advocacy Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive services to individuals and families affected by trauma and crisis. The organization aims to ensure that every family has the opportunity for lifelong restoration and healing.

Mission and Approach

The Center's mission is centered around offering a variety of services designed to support individuals throughout their lifespan through individualized care. It employs a multidisciplinary approach, similar to other Children's Advocacy Centers, involving a network of community agencies to provide assistance. The goal is to meet clients where they are on their personal journey to healing.

Services

• Advocacy and Support: The Center provides advocates who work directly with children and non-offending family members affected by child maltreatment. These advocates connect clients with a network of assistance through local community agencies.

• Forensic Interviews: Trained forensic interviewers conduct developmentally appropriate, non-leading, and non-suggestible interviews to minimize trauma and the number of times victims must recount their stories. This process is facilitated by a multidisciplinary team approach.

• Counseling and Therapy: Both individual and group counseling are available to alleviate trauma symptoms and promote healing. Residential programming offers additional support for women and their children.

• Residential Housing: The Center provides residential housing for women and their children, offering a safe environment for healing and recovery.

• Sexual Assault Nurse Examinations (SANE): On-site SANE services are available for alleged victims, conducted by a registered nurse certified in Sexual Assault Nurse Examinations. This service aims to cultivate healing and reassurance without requiring referrals to external medical facilities.

Role in the Community

The Children & Family Advocacy Center plays a crucial role in coordinating care and reducing additional trauma through its integrated approach. By offering comprehensive, culturally competent services, it helps to restore hope and dignity to affected families. The Center aligns with broader national efforts to support children and families affected by abuse, mirroring the mission of organizations like the National Children's Alliance.

[1] https://cfacbentonco.com/programs-and-services/ [2] http://childrensadvocacyctr.org [3] https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/programs/childrens-advocacy-centers [4] https://www.nationalchildrensalliance.org/cac-model/ [5] https://cacfranklinnq.org/p/7/What-is-a-Childrens-Advocacy-Center