Providing a safe place for children to have a voice.
The Children's Advocacy Center of Independence County
The Children's Advocacy Center of Independence County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing child-friendly services to children who have been victims of abuse. We work with our investigative partners to ensure that any child abuse allegation that is called into the Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline or local law enforcement can be brought to the CAC.
Our team is committed to providing the vital support and services these children and their families need. Our support is ongoing from the time the child first comes to our center until they are in a place of healing and restoration.
Our services are always completely free to children and families.
Services
At The Children's Advocacy Center of Independence County, we are dedicated to providing a safe space for children to have a voice. Our services are designed to provide unwavering support, guidance, and assistance throughout every step of the journey towards healing and justice. Our services include: Advocacy, Forensic Interview, Medical exams by certified SANE, and mental health services.
All of our services are free to the children and families.
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
Our Advocates provide a welcoming presence and support for child abuse victims and their families. Our Advocates welcome the child and family to our center and provide crisis intervention during their initial visit. They spend time getting to know the specific needs of each child and family.
-
They work to obtain concrete services including housing, clothing, food, and assistance in finding employment.
-
Provide support surrounding the court process and can accompany a child and/or family if needed.
-
Liaison for families by relaying information to and from our MDT (multidisciplinary team) to aid in prosecution of offenders.
Our ChildFirst trained forensic interviewers perform recorded interviews as requested by law enforcement or DHS. We also offer our interview room to law officers who have been trained in Child First forensic interviewing.
A coordinated approach:
-
Reduces the number of times the child must repeat details and interviews.
-
Provides a child-focused, safe space resulting in a less traumatic interview while encouraging openness and trust.
-
Facilitates the efficient gathering and sharing of all information critical to the case.
-
Broadens the knowledge base by including information from several agencies. Improves communication among agencies.
Our SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners) provide compassionate, specialized medical evaluations and sexual assault exams for children who are victims of suspected abuse. These exams are available for all children when appropriate. We do not subject a child to a medical exam if there is not a valid concern and no child will be forced to have one. The exams are peer reviewed by Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock.
We provide onsite, comprehensive treatment for child victims including Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. We can also make referrals as needed for treatment to best meet the specific needs of the child and family.
The goals of treatment for the child are as follows:
-
Reduces the emotional impact of the disclosure.
-
Develops the child’s sense of empowerment and healing.
-
Teaches and practices safety skills.
-
Promotes healing and establishes hope for the future.
Our Duo Dog Mario may also be available to sit with the child during therapy appointments to help ease fears and anxieties.
Our Goals
Spread awareness about child abuse
Increase support for the children and families we serve
Provide education and resources to prevent child abuse
