What is a child advocacy Center ?
In 1985, Former Congressman Robert E. "Bud" Cramer (AL), who was then a District Attorney in Madison County, Alabama, saw the need to create a better system to help abused children. The social service and the criminal justice systems, at the time, were not working together in an effective manner that children could trust, adding to the children's emotional distress, and creating a segmented, repetitious, and often frightening experience for the child victims.
The CAC model of a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) approach, developed through the vision of Former Congressman Cramer and a group of key individuals, pulled together law enforcement, criminal justice, child protective services, and medical and mental health workers onto one coordinated team. Thus, the National Children’s Advocacy Center was born!
The National Children’s Advocacy Center (NCAC), located in Huntsville, Alabama, revolutionized the United States’ response to child sexual abuse. Since its creation in 1985, the NCAC has served as a model for the 1000+ Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs) now operating in the United States, including Kids Hub Child Advocacy Center!
The CAC model of a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) approach, developed through the vision of Former Congressman Cramer and a group of key individuals, pulled together law enforcement, criminal justice, child protective services, and medical and mental health workers onto one coordinated team. Thus, the National Children’s Advocacy Center was born!
The National Children’s Advocacy Center (NCAC), located in Huntsville, Alabama, revolutionized the United States’ response to child sexual abuse. Since its creation in 1985, the NCAC has served as a model for the 1000+ Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs) now operating in the United States, including Kids Hub Child Advocacy Center!
Multi-disciplinary Teams
Kids Hub Child Advocacy Center serves as a representative on Multidisciplinary Teams (MDT) in five counties across the Pine Belt area, including Forrest, Lamar, Jefferson Davis, Lawrence, and Marion Counties. The MDT is a dedicated group of agencies that works to reduce trauma for children during the investigation and prosecution of child abuse related crimes.
The MDT is committed to serving children and families through the utilization of the child-first protocol, which focuses on solutions that are in the best interest of the child. Once a month, the MDT in each county will meet to discuss solutions and next steps for cases.
The MDT is committed to serving children and families through the utilization of the child-first protocol, which focuses on solutions that are in the best interest of the child. Once a month, the MDT in each county will meet to discuss solutions and next steps for cases.
Advocacy |
Education |
Prevention |
Referrals |
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Victim Advocates work directly with the non-offending caregiver to refer children and families to appropriate medical and mental health services.
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Community Outreach Educator and other staff work directly with community members and local leaders to educate the public on child abuse prevention measures.
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County Multidisciplinary Teams work together to prevent child victims from enduring further abuse, while the Community Outreach Educator teaches the community about child abuse prevention measures.
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Victim Advocates and members of County Multidisciplinary Teams work together to refer children and families for appropriate services.
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Kids Hub Child Advocacy Center
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15 Millbranch Rd.
Hattiesburg, MS 39401 601-909-6294 Monday - Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Closed Weekends |