The Child Advocacy Center of Northeast MO

The Child Advocacy Center of Northeast MO serves children disclosing sexual abuse, physical abuse, and children who witness violence. The CAC model is based on the belief that the combined professional wisdom and skill of the multi-disciplinary team approach results in a complete understanding of case issues and the most effective child- and family-focused system response possible. The Child Advocacy Center is a child-focused place where a comprehensive, coordinated approach is taken in response to allegations of child sexual and physical abuse occurring in our 14 county service area. The primary goal of The Child Advocacy Center of Northeast MO is to ensure that children disclosing abuse are not further victimized by the intervention systems designed to protect them. Services offered include forensic interviews, children and family advocacy, mental health therapy, and school and community-based prevention education programs. When a case is referred to The Child Advocacy Center, members of law enforcement, Children's Division workers, the Prosecuting Attorney's office, Juvenile Justice Center staff, Medial SAFE Providers, child and family advocates, and mental health therapists form a Multi-disciplinary Team (MDT). Each agency or professional on the MDT has a specific role in the investigation and intervention process. The forensic interviewer is also a member of the MDT, however, the forensic interviewer serves as a neutral participant.