This brief publication describes Children's Advocacy Centers, with an overview section followed by programs and funding, research and evaluation, training and technical assistance, a listing of contacts, and a listing of resources for finding more information.
Children's Advocacy Centers coordinate the investigation, treatment, and prosecution of child abuse cases by utilizing multidisciplinary teams of professionals involved in child protective and victim advocacy services, law enforcement and prosecution, and physical and mental health. Four regional centers provide consultation and training and technical assistance services to communities that are developing local centers and also services to strengthen existing centers. The regional centers work cooperatively with the National Children's Alliance, which provides national leadership and advocacy for local centers. The Alliance also provides training, technical assistance, and networking opportunities to communities that are planning, establishing, or improving local centers.