The CAC Model

A Multidisciplinary Approach

When police or child protective services believe a child may be experiencing abuse, the child is brought to the CAC—a safe, child-focused environment—by a caregiver or other “safe” adult. At the CAC, the child tells their story once to a trained interviewer who knows the right questions to ask in a way that does not retraumatize the child. Then, a team that includes medical professionals, law enforcement, mental health, prosecution, child protective services, victim advocacy, and other professionals make decisions together about how to help the child based on the interview. CACs offer therapy and medical exams, plus courtroom preparation, victim advocacy, case management, and other services. This is called the multidisciplinary team (MDT) response and is a core part of the work of CACs. Our CAC is part of a national network of over 960 CACs that all utilize the same model.

(Source: National Children’s Alliance)

Without CACs

Without CACs, it is complicated and confusing for parents or caregivers to pursue help and healing. If the response to abuse is not coordinated, caregivers would have to reach out to the various disciplines separately and engage in services at multiple locations. 

With CACs

With CACs, the response to abuse is coordinated by a team of professionals who work together for the benefit of the child and family. Services are all provided at one location. The disciplines communicate with one another which makes it much simpler and more efficient for families to receive the necessary support in order to start healing from abuse.

2023 IMPACT NUMBERS

311

65

2,144

56

Forensic
Medical
Exams

Forensic
Interviews

PSB
Screenings

Counseling
Sessions

77

Children
Accompanied
to Court

Testimonials

  • “Every time we walked into the CAC we walked out with a little more hope through the process of the unknown. Thank you. When I really needed the support you were all there to fight this battle together.”

    — CAC Client

  • “The Children’s Advocacy Center of Ottawa County has been and continues to be an invaluable partner and resource to child survivors of crime and their families. Together with the multi-disciplinary team, the staff, services, and resources from the Ottawa CAC are instrumental to the investigative process and in the pursuit of justice for members in our community.”

    — Detective Patrick Gedeon, Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office