CAC MODEL

Walworth County Child Advocacy Center is located at the Tree House Child and Family Center. Our staff have extensive experience working with children and families. The CAC staff includes the following individuals:

Advocate
The advocate offers support to children and families, both during appointments at the child advocacy center and after through follow-up care. The advocate helps children and families access resources as well as understand the different processes involved in the case.

Forensic interviewer
The forensic interviewer is specially trained to talk with children regarding abuse allegations during a video-recorded interview. The forensic interviewer follows a set of guidelines to gather detailed information from children. This information can then be used by law enforcement, child protective services, and/or the court system, which helps to limit the number of times a child has to talk about the abuse.

Medical provider
The medical provider evaluates children for abuse concerns as well as necessary follow-up care. The medical provider has years of experience and special training specific to examining children who may have been abused.

Therapist
Therapists do assessment and follow-up that focuses on children’s emotional response to what has happened. They help teach families how to help their children heal.

Other Potential Professionals Present at the Child Advocacy Center

Law Enforcement
Police officers observe interviews and do necessary follow-up work to gather evidence and fully investigate allegations of child abuse that may result in criminal court proceedings.

Child Protective Services (CPS)
CPS workers observe interviews and do necessary follow-up to ensure the safety of children. CPS workers also support children and families, making necessary referrals to meet their needs.

District Attorney’s Office
A lawyer from the district attorney’s office may observe the interview in order to determine whether charges can be filed.

Community Advocates
New Beginnings APFV offers support to children and families, both during appointments at the child advocacy center and after through follow-up care. The advocate helps children and families access resources as well as understand the different processes involved in the case.