Frequently Asked Questions
I'm interested in starting a CAC in my community. Where do I start?
When thinking about developing a CAC in your community, one must first understand and agree that the primary purpose of a Children’s Advocacy Center is to provide a comprehensive, culturally competent, multidisciplinary (CPIT per TCA) team response to allegations of child abuse in a dedicated, neutral yet child-friendly setting. A child appropriate/child-friendly setting and a multidisciplinary team are essential for accomplishment of the mission of Children’s Advocacy Centers and for full membership in National Children’s Alliance.
There are several different models, different levels and phases to start working on the development of a CAC. A few things are critical on the front end: Leadership and commitment. Understand this will be a time-consuming process and there will be obstacles. Don’t forget to contact the Tennessee Chapter of Children’s Advocacy Centers for assistance, guidance and support for the whole process, from developing a working committee to ribbon cutting. A few of the developmental stages include the following:
- Recruiting a reliable working committee
- Conducting a Needs Assessment
- Conducting a Feasibility Study
- Development of a work plan
- Evaluation of progress
- Obtaining local data/statistics
- Identification of potential barriers
- Organizational framework-Charter,by-laws,incorporation, etc
- Mission statement
- Goals and Objectives
- Proposed organizational model and structure
- Commitment for Inter-Agency agreements
- Process for sharing of information between the participating agencies
In development of a CAC, keep in mind the program components that are required to meet the definition of a CAC and obtaining accreditation in the National Children’s Alliance. Again, the TN Chapter of CAC’s can help you in this very worthwhile cause for our community’s most cherished resource, our children.