Child Advocacy Center provides Wraparound Care to Kids in Need
Children’s Wisconsin’s Fox Valley Child Advocacy Center (CAC), located in Children’s Appleton Clinic, brings together a specially trained multidisciplinary team of professionals to evaluate and investigate cases of child abuse, neglect or sexual assault and help children and their families access the services and supports they need.
The CAC is a child-focused, child-friendly setting that provides comprehensive services through specialized medical evaluations, forensic interviews, advocacy case management and mental health treatment. A CAC’s mission is to promote and foster safety, healing and justice for children and families. Without effective therapeutic intervention, many children who have experienced trauma may suffer ongoing or long-term adverse social, emotional, developmental and health outcomes. Importantly, CACs collaborate with community partners and organizations, including mental health professionals, child protective services, sexual assault and domestic violence providers and law enforcement professionals. These partners work in collaboration to best serve the child to minimize re-traumatization and support their healing.
Children’s receives grant support and is able to bill for select services, however, many of the CACs services are provided to families free of charge. Last year, Children’s CACs cared for nearly 7,000 children were cared for throughout the state, including at medical satellite locations and through our hospital-based child advocacy service.
Last year, a seven-year-old boy witnessed the homicide of a family member by another family member. He was referred to the CAC for a forensic interview and understandably needed a high level of support. The therapist at the CAC, a CAC advocate and Child Life Specialist were available during the initial appointment to provide grief support. The child and his father continue to receive follow-up therapy and advocacy services free of charge.
Thanks in part to community benefit investment, Children’s Fox Valley CAC provides specialized care and services to promote health and healing for children in need.
The CAC is a child-focused, child-friendly setting that provides comprehensive services through specialized medical evaluations, forensic interviews, advocacy case management and mental health treatment. A CAC’s mission is to promote and foster safety, healing and justice for children and families. Without effective therapeutic intervention, many children who have experienced trauma may suffer ongoing or long-term adverse social, emotional, developmental and health outcomes. Importantly, CACs collaborate with community partners and organizations, including mental health professionals, child protective services, sexual assault and domestic violence providers and law enforcement professionals. These partners work in collaboration to best serve the child to minimize re-traumatization and support their healing.
Children’s receives grant support and is able to bill for select services, however, many of the CACs services are provided to families free of charge. Last year, Children’s CACs cared for nearly 7,000 children were cared for throughout the state, including at medical satellite locations and through our hospital-based child advocacy service.
Last year, a seven-year-old boy witnessed the homicide of a family member by another family member. He was referred to the CAC for a forensic interview and understandably needed a high level of support. The therapist at the CAC, a CAC advocate and Child Life Specialist were available during the initial appointment to provide grief support. The child and his father continue to receive follow-up therapy and advocacy services free of charge.
Thanks in part to community benefit investment, Children’s Fox Valley CAC provides specialized care and services to promote health and healing for children in need.
