The CAC Model

Children's Advocacy Centers began in 1985 as a way to pull together the various professions that get involved in child abuse cases. These multidisciplinary teams consist of representatives from law enforcement, criminal justice systems, child protective services, and medical and mental health workers. Instead of enduring questioning from multiple professionals, the child talks to a specialized trained forensic interviewer in a non-threatening, child-friendly environment. The interview is viewed by MDT members who are given the opportunity to ask questions in real time, again minimizing the number of times the child tells their story. Family Advocates meet with the non-offending caregiver while the interview takes place to talk about the needs of the family and resources available.

Tools for CAC Management