Children’s Wisconsin’s Fox Valley Child Advocacy Center (CAC) located in Neenah brings together a specially trained team of pediatric professionals to investigate cases of child maltreatment. The CAC is a child-focused and friendly setting that provides comprehensive services through specialized medical evaluations, forensic interviews, advocacy case management and mental health treatment. The CAC enables children and their families to heal from abuse and helps advocate for safe and secure living environments. While Children’s receives grant support and medical evaluations are billed through insurance, the remaining CAC services provided to families are free of charge.

A teenager came to the Fox Valley CAC for a forensic interview and medical forensic exam following sexual abuse. She and her two family members, whom she lived with, were refugees. The teen was egregiously sexually assaulted by one of the family members and sustained injuries. Unfortunately, her other family member didn’t believe or support her. In addition to the medical care she received, the teen also began seeing a therapist at the CAC to work through her trauma. An advocate at the CAC continues to check in with and support the teen, especially as the court process with the perpetrator proceeds. Interviews, advocacy, follow-up, therapy and court accompaniment are all services that the CAC provides free of charge. The teen was able to receive all her services at the CAC and talk to professionals that listened and supported her. The Fox Valley CAC helps Children’s to care for kids through a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach.