CAC

Child Advocacy Center

 

For current MDT Members.

 

9

Counties we serve Burke, Richmond, Columbia, Glascock, Lincoln, McDuffie, Taliaferro, Warren, and Wilkes.

813

Children served by the
Child Advocacy center in
FY 2024

 
 
 

Services Provided by CAC

Forensic Interviews

We provide video-recorded forensic interviews of children after an allegation of abuse has been made. This is a unique service offered exclusively by specially trained forensic interviewers. This service includes:

  • Referrals from Law Enforcement (LE) and Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS)

  • Forensic Interviewers follow the “ChildFirst” protocol for children ages 3-17

  • Multi-session Forensic Interviews are provided for children as developmentally appropriate or if disclosing complex trauma

  • Expert testimony in criminal proceedings

  • Facilitating the Multidisciplinary Case Review Team meeting to ensure a coordinated response to cases

 

CSEC (Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children)

Child Sex Trafficking (CSEC) is the sexual abuse of a child in exchange for something of value, making it a “commercial” sex act. In Georgia, CSEC is recognized as a form of child abuse under the Mandatory Reporting Child Abuse Law.

Any child under 18 who performs a sex act or provides explicit images or videos in exchange for anything of value is a victim of CSEC—regardless of consent. These children should never be labeled as “child prostitutes” but rather as victims of exploitation.

The CACGA CSEC Response Team operates a 24/7 hotline to assist victims, law enforcement, and the community. This hotline coordinates emergency services and victim assistance for those impacted by exploitation and trafficking.

How to Report CSEC:

  1. Local Law Enforcement – Contact your local authorities.

  2. DFCS Referral – Call 1-855-GA-CHILD to report.

  3. CACGA Referral – Call 1-866-END-HTGA for immediate support.

Family Advocacy

When a child has been interviewed at the CAC, they receive immediate and follow up services from a CAC Family and Victim Advocate.  This service includes:

  • Meeting with caregivers at the time of the interview to provide information and support

  • Medical Advocacy -if there is a need for specialized medical exams

  • Therapy Referrals to either the CAC or a referral out to a trauma trained mental health provider

  • Providing education regarding victim rights and victim compensation

  • Informing families of available youth and caregiver support groups

  • Providing updates to families about the status of their case

  • Connecting families to community resources and assistance as needed

Therapy Services

When a child has been referred to counseling for sexual abuse, physical abuse, sex trafficking, or other trauma they may receive free mental health services at the CAC. This service includes: 

  • Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) to victims of abuse and their families

  • Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) to children with behavioral challenges and their caregivers

  • Court preparation and support when a child is required to testify during a trial or legal proceeding

  • Individual and group counseling for children ages 5-17

  • Participating in the Multidisciplinary Care Review Team meetings

 
 

Your child’s visit to our Child Advocacy Center

 
 
 
“The huge support and understanding for all of us. The staff was very kind and wanted to do anything to help us feel comfortable and provided everything we needed.”
— Caregiver Testimonial
“I appreciate that everyone showing they care about the situation. Just knowing there’s someone that helping and offering therapy makes feel a lot better. And everyone is friendly and nice to me and my brother. ”
— Anonymous
“I appreciate the kindness that was shown to me by everyone, how well the process was explained, and how my boys felt at ease and were able to say what they need to say. ”
— Caregiver Testimonial