FAQ
Questions come from every direction here: from parents, from teachers and neighbors who are worried about a child, and from the agencies we work cases with. These are the ones we hear most often. If you do not find your answer, call us at 540-665-4426.
What is a Children's Advocacy Center?
A CAC is a child focused facility where the investigation, prosecution, and treatment of child abuse happen in one coordinated place instead of across separate offices. The model was created in the 1980s by Robert E. “Bud” Cramer, Jr., then a District Attorney in Alabama and later a Congressman, who believed the existing systems were re-victimizing the children they were meant to help. There are now more than 950 CACs nationally and 18 across Virginia.
When was the ChildSafe Center-CAC founded, and why?
It opened in 2003 out of a desire to keep abused children from being traumatized further during the investigation and prosecution of their cases.
What is our mission?
To promote a child focused approach to the investigation, prosecution, and treatment of child abuse by providing a safe, child friendly facility, a Multidisciplinary Team response to abuse allegations, and professional support, education, and advocacy services.
Why does it matter where a child is interviewed?
Before centers like this existed, children were taken to police stations and social service offices, or asked about abuse at school, and often had to repeat the details again and again to professionals trained to work with adults rather than children. A “Child First” approach means a neutral, safe, private place to talk, fewer interviews to endure, cases reviewed holistically across legal, medical, emotional, and social needs, and staff specifically trained in abuse and neglect.
What is the Multidisciplinary Team?
The MDT is a partnership between the agencies responsible for investigating, prosecuting, and treating alleged child abuse, so they can respond together rather than separately. Members include the Child Advocacy Center, Child Protective Services, law enforcement, prosecution, mental health, medical, and victim advocacy. The Center runs two teams, one in Winchester and one in Shenandoah County.
What is a forensic interview?
It is a coordinated investigative interview conducted by a specially trained professional, using developmentally sensitive methods to gather accurate, detailed information from a child about abuse allegations.
Will my child have to tell the story more than once?
Is the interview recorded?
Interviews can be recorded, which preserves the child’s own statements and captures all the ways children communicate.
What else happens alongside the interview?
Victim advocacy services are provided any time a forensic interview takes place. That can include trauma screenings, referrals for follow up services, and other support as needed.
How do I drop off a donation?
Call the office at 540-665-4426 first to schedule a time. Advance scheduling protects the privacy of the children being served. This is the spot to add the Amazon wishlist link once you have it, since nothing on the current site mentions one.
Where are we located?
The Winchester office is at 117 East Piccadilly Street, Suite 300, Winchester, VA 22601. The Shenandoah satellite office is at 1103 Hisey Avenue, Woodstock, VA 22664, inside the First Bank and Trust building. Both use the same phone number, 540-665-4426.