|
 |
 |
|
|
History
Children's Advocacy Centers were established in the 1980's to coordinate the individuals and agencies involved in the investigation, prosecution and treatment of child maltreatment cases and provide support for the child victim and their non-offending family members.
Professionals from the child protection, investigative, legal and medical systems would interview the child separately and repeatedly in police stations and other environments designed for adults. Many times these interviews were done solely to meet the diverse and conflicting requirements of the agencies involved, rather than the needs of the child. Successful prosecution was rare. The victims seldom received the support and treatment needed.
The heart of the Children's Advocacy Center is multidisciplinary team made up of six core disciplines: social services, law enforcement, medical, prosecution, advocacy and mental health, who strive together to make the process as comfortable and helpful as possible for the child.
North Dakota History:
1996:
- Task Force created in Bismarck to identify how to best serve sexually abused children
1997:
- Dakota Children's Advocacy Center established in Bismarck in partnership with MedCenter One
1998:
- Dakota CAC becomes a Full Member CAC with the National Children's Alliance
2002:
- Task Force created in Fargo
2004:
- Red River CAC becomes an Associate Member CAC with the National Children's Alliance
- State Chapter of the National Children's Alliance formed
2005:
- North Dakota Legislature passes legislation that defines a Children's Advocacy Center and grants state funding
- Dakota CAC becomes an Accredited Member of the National Children's Alliance
2006:
- Task Force created in Minot
- Red River CAC becomes an Accredited Member of the National Children's Alliance
2007:
- Northern Plains CAC becomes an Associate Member of the National Children's Alliance
- North Dakota Legislature increases amount of state funding for the CACs
2010:
- Children's Advocacy Centers of North Dakota hires its first full-time Coordinator
- CACND registers as a Nonprofit 501(c)(3) Corporation in North Dakota
- Dakota CAC gains Reaccreditation with the National Children's Alliance
2011:
- CACND receives 501(c)(3) determination from IRS
North Dakota's Children's Advocacy Centers are an integral part of each county's ability to respond to child abuse allegations and to provide essential services needed to ensure the health and well being of North Dakota's suspected child abuse victims. Each center coordinates investigations and provides medical exams, interviews and mental health support to children who are referred to them when there are allegations of child abuse.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
The CAC has been extremely beneficial to our area. The families have been made to feel very comfortable and put at ease in the CAC.
Turtle Mountain Child Welfare worker |
|
|
-continue |
|
 |
|
|
