Children’s Advocacy Centers provide a child-friendly, safe and neutral location for forensic interviews to take place.
Children’s Advocacy Centers provide a child-friendly, safe and neutral location for forensic interviews to take place. Law enforcement and Child Protective Services investigators are part of an investigation team for children who are alleged victims of abuse.
It is also a place where the child and non-offending caregivers receive support, crisis intervention, specialized medical services, and referrals to trauma-informed mental health services.
The main objective is to reduce trauma to child victims by bringing all disciplines together and sharing information more efficiently to minimize duplication and trauma to the child. These multidisciplinary teams are made up of law enforcement officers, Child Protective Service workers, prosecutors, advocates, therapists, and medical personnel. The team meets regularly to communicate and review the cases beginning with the victim’s initial outcry through the investigation, treatment and prosecution.
Children Advocacy Centers
The purpose of the CAC model is to improve outcomes for children by bringing services to the child, instead of children to the services.
Without CACs
With CACs
Available Services
Forensic Interviewing
A forensic interview is a structured conversation with a child to obtain detailed information about events that the child may have experienced or witnessed. The interview takes place in a neutral, child-friendly location designed to help the child feel comfortable. A forensic interview provides the child with an opportunity to tell their story in their own words. This conversation is tailored to the child’s age, development level, and any special needs.
Family Advocacy
Family advocacy provides an on-going, supportive relationship to children and their families. Our family advocates assist in navigating the family through the entire investigation process from beginning to end. They assist with many services including referrals, support, and community resource information.
Trauma Therapy
The Lighthouse offers onsite trauma-informed therapeutic services and referrals to offsite trauma-informed mental health services to provide further support to our children and families. Services are specific to the unique needs and situations of children and adolescents who have suffered trauma and received forensic services at the center. Additionally, therapists work to support the recovery of family members and to improve their ability to assist the child. All therapy sessions are offered at no cost to a child’s family.
Child Medical Evaluations
Child Medical Evaluations are completed by a medical provider who specializes in child maltreatment. The medical exam is a child friendly exam similar to a well-child exam. The medical provider helps assure parents that their child is healthy. Although there are very rarely physical signs of sexual abuse, many families find reassurance knowing that no permanent physical damage has been done.
Community Education
All children deserve to be safe – at home and in their community. The Lighthouse offers a variety of educational opportunities to assist in recognizing and responding to abuse. Groups of all kinds may request training, including educators, parents, youth serving organizations and other concerned citizens. Please see our Outreach and Education page to learn more.
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Address
3150 City Church Street
Gastonia NC 28056