Erin Dudley University of New Hampshire

What is a Child Advocacy Center (CAC)? “Comprehensive, child -focused program in a facility that allows law enforcement, child protection, prosecution, mental health and medical communities to work together to handle child abuse cases”

What Happens at a CAC?  The CAC provides a neutral, child-friendly setting where child victims of abuse (primarily sexual) are interviewed in a forensic, fact-finding, manner.  Prior to CAC’s, children were often interviewed more than 8 times. The CAC model allows all team members (police, DCYF, prosecutors, etc.) questions to get answered, but the child only has to meet and talk with one person (Shelby Trahan).  Shelby is a trained forensic interviewer and on average interviews 2 children per day regarding abuse.

Pictures of the CAC in Manchester Waiting Room Here families and children wait for interviews. As you can see it is very welcoming (much more so than a police department where children were interviewed prior to CAC’s.) Interview Room This is the room where children are interviewed. All team members watch on a closed circuit television. Therefore, the child only has to tell their story once.

Interview with Shelby Trahan  Potential Risks for Children and Families Served:  Sexual abuse  Witness to violence (Domestic violence in homes.)  Physical abuse  Parental substance abuse and/or history of sexual abuse (Many parents have a history of trauma and substance abuse. These parents face unique challenges when dealing with their own child’s abuse.)  Lack of Support (Many parents have a lack of resources-social support, money, housing, transportation, education, etc.)  Lack of knowledge about sexual abuse (Parents are unaware of red flags and are unsure of how to support and protect their children.)  Parents not believing child  Child not taught about body safety

Interview with Shelby Trahan  Services provided by the CAC:  Forensic interviews for child victims of abuse. The process reduces trauma and increases the prosecution rates for child sexual abuse cases.  An advocate from the YWCA crisis center is present at every interview to support the family and child. The YWCA serves as a resource for families after the interview.  Medical and mental health referrals (doctors and therapists specializing in sexual abuse)  Outreach and education (family outreach, daycare CEU trainings, police department trainings, center tours)

Interview with Shelby Trahan  How does the CAC promote child and family resiliency?  Decrease in disjointedness of criminal justice system.  Team coordination (all team members are held accountable and work together for the family)  Child-friendly (Children are given a teddy bear after their interview and are also allowed to put their handprints on the wall. This makes most children more comfortable with the process versus being interviewed by an intimidating detective) (See pictures on the next slide. )  Education for parents and children about body safety  Connections with community and services available-  YWCA  Doctors  Counselors  Department of Health and Human Services

Hands of Hope and Teddy Bears Children get to see the hands of each child that has been to the CAC. This is often comforting and makes disclosing easier. They can visually see that they are not alone. Following the interview they get to add their hands to the wall and pick out a teddy bear.

Challenges for Shelby  Difficult when she suspects that a child is being abused and they do not disclose  When families do not believe their children  When there is not enough of a disclosure to arrest the perpetrator  Aiding families in their time of crisis is draining  Hearing stories of horrific abuse

Interview with Shelby Trahan  How do you prevent vicarious trauma ? Staying busy- school, work, family Hearing about cases being prosecuted is very rewarding Seeing a child breath a sigh of relief after they disclose Speaking with families and hearing how the child is doing Educating the public about abuse Knowing that I helped prevent a child from being abused further Self care!!!! (Gym, Playing with my dog)

Questions??  If there are any questions feel free to contact me at  Thanks!