Our CACs | CACar
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What is a Child Advocacy Center (CAC)?

A Child Advocacy Center (CAC) is a child-focused, community-based facility designed to support children who have experienced abuse or neglect. CACs provide a safe, welcoming environment where children can begin the healing process and professionals can respond with care and coordination.

What do CACs do?

Each CAC uses a collaborative, multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach and research-supported practices to reduce trauma, support healing, and pursue justice. Local centers serve as central hubs where evidence can be collected and services delivered—all under one roof.

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CACs work closely with law enforcement, child protective services, prosecutors, medical and mental health providers to ensure a comprehensive, coordinated response to child abuse. This team approach reduces duplication, limits re-traumatization, and ensures that children and families receive the support they need. Each year,  Arkansas CACs serve more than 10,000 children who have experienced sexual abuse, physical abuse, severe neglect, or have witnessed violence.

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CAC Services

Services offered by CACs may include:

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  • Forensic Interviews
     

  • Family Advocacy
     

  • Mental Health Services
     

  • Medical Exams
     

  • Law Enforcement
     

  • Community Awareness & Education

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All services are provided at no cost to children or their families.

Why are CACs Important?

What is the CAC Model? 

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What the CAC Model Is

The CAC Model refers to the Child Advocacy Center Model, a nationally recognized, evidence-based approach to responding to child abuse. The CAC Model brings together all professionals involved in a child abuse case in one coordinated, child-focused approach. Instead of having a child repeat their story to multiple agencies in multiple locations, the CAC Model centralizes the process so children receive support in a safe, trauma-informed environment.

Core Components

A typical CAC Model includes:

  • Forensic Interviews conducted by trained specialists

  • Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) collaboration, including law enforcement, child protective services, prosecution, medical providers, mental health professionals, and victim advocates

  • Medical evaluations

  • Trauma-focused mental health services

  • Family advocacy and support services

  • Case review and case tracking

  • Coordinated investigation and prosecution

Purpose

The goal of the CAC Model is to:

  • Reduce trauma for children

  • Improve the quality and coordination of investigations

  • Ensure children and families receive comprehensive support

  • Increase accountability and successful case outcomes

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