Children’s Advocacy Centers and what they do

CAMBRIDGE, Ohio – When a child experiences physical or sexual abuse, they and their families could be referred to a Children’s Advocacy Center, or CAC. The Children’s Advocacy Center of Guernsey County invited lawmakers and WHIZ to learn more about what they do.

The CAC of Guernsey County helps families navigate a difficult time in their lives by coordinating the investigation and treatment of child sexual abuse and providing children and families access to long-term advocacy and healthcare.

During a typical investigation, a child would have to talk about their trauma several times between doctors, police, lawyers, judges, and other parties involved in the process. CACs reduce the stress and trauma of this process, streamlining the process through a forensic investigator. One key aspect of this CAC is a lab named Skye, which helps comfort victims during a difficult conversation.

“Skye is our therapy dog who is lying between us, who is very important role here at the CAC. She sits in on our forensic interviews with the children as a comfort support for the children,” said Angela Summerville, executive director and forensic interviewer for the CAC of Guernsey County.

The Children’s Advocacy Center of Guernsey County is just one of 36 in the state of Ohio. Guernsey County location has invited state lawmakers and members of Representative Troy Balderson’s team to show them around.

“I had worked with a lot of the legislative teams to kind of set this up to show how real CAC’s operate and how we do wear very many hats around here, to support more funding for CACs statewide,” said Hannah Brooks, the child and family services program manager at CAC of Guernsey County.

There is also a Children’s Advocacy Center in Muskingum and Licking Counties. Families are typically referred to a CAC by law enforcement or medical professionals but you can visit the Ohio Network of CACs’ website to find one near you and learn more.