When there are concerns that a child may have experienced abuse, knowing what happens next can feel overwhelming. Advocacy Network for Children’s Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs) provide a safe, child-friendly environment where children and families can receive support while professionals work together to respond to concerns of child abuse.
Advocacy Network for Children provides Children’s Advocacy Center services throughout Adams, Brown, Cass, Hancock, McDonough, Morgan, Pike, Schuyler, and Scott counties in West Central Illinois.
What is a Children’s Advocacy Center?
A Children’s Advocacy Center is a child-focused setting where professionals from different agencies work together to investigate allegations of child abuse and support children and their families.
This coordinated approach helps reduce the number of times a child may be asked to talk about what happened and helps ensure families are connected with the services and support they need.
What is a Multidisciplinary Team?
Each Children’s Advocacy Center works with a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) made up of professionals who have different roles but share the goal of protecting children and supporting families.
Depending on the circumstances, the team may include:
- Law enforcement
- Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
- State’s Attorney’s Offices
- Children’s Advocacy Center staff
- Medical professionals
- Mental health professionals
- Victim advocates
- Other professionals involved with the child and family
Team members communicate and coordinate throughout the investigation so families do not have to navigate the process alone.
What is a Forensic Interview?
A forensic interview is a neutral, developmentally appropriate conversation with a child conducted by a specially trained professional.
The interviewer provides the child with an opportunity to talk about their experiences in their own words. Interviews are conducted in a child-friendly setting using research-informed practices designed to gather accurate and reliable information while considering the developmental and emotional needs of the child.
Members of the Multidisciplinary Team may observe the interview from a separate room, helping reduce the need for a child to be interviewed multiple times by different agencies.
What Can Families Expect?
When you arrive at one of our Children’s Advocacy Centers, our staff will help you understand what to expect and answer questions about the process.
While a child participates in a forensic interview, caregivers have an opportunity to meet with CAC staff. Our team can provide information, support, resources, and referrals based on the needs of the child and family.
Our support does not necessarily end after the forensic interview. CAC staff may continue working with families throughout the investigation and, when applicable, the court process.
Services and Support
Children and families served through our Children’s Advocacy Centers may receive:
- Forensic interviews
- Family advocacy and support
- Referrals for trauma-focused mental health services
- Assistance accessing specialized medical services
- Information about the investigation and court process
- Victim assistance and community resource referrals
- Ongoing support and court accompaniment when appropriate
Services provided through the Children’s Advocacy Center are available at no cost to children and families.
Need Help?
If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call 911.
To report suspected child abuse or neglect in Illinois, contact the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Child Abuse Hotline, 1-800-25-ABUSE (1-800-252-2873).
For questions about Children’s Advocacy Center services, contact Advocacy Network for Children at (217) 223-2272.
