Who We Are
The Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) streamlines the investigation and prosecution of child abuse cases in a victim-centered, trauma-informed way. We do this by collaborating with those who may be involved in the case such as law enforcement agencies, forensic medical examiners, child welfare, and the legal system.
Children are among the most vulnerable members of our community. When a child is abused, we are here to provide support. We serve any Tulalip Tribal children and other Native children who are victims of, or witnesses to, a crime such as sexual abuse, physical abuse, or severe neglect on the Tulalip reservation.
The Children's Advocacy Center is accredited by the National Children’s Alliance.
Vision
Our community stands together to eliminate all forms of abuse.
Mission
To provide education, advocacy, and a multi-disciplinary response to decrease re-traumatization of children who are victims of crime.
How Children's Advocacy Centers Help Kids
What We Do
Our advocates support child victims and their families throughout the entire investigative process. This support may include:
- Accompaniment to medical exams, forensic interviews, and court hearings
- Information on victim rights and legal processes
- Referrals to community resources such as counseling, medical treatment, housing, and legal assistance
- Assistance with filing protection orders and other court forms
- Information about the effects of trauma and victimization
The Children's Advocacy Center provides free, on-site trauma therapy services to child victims. Services include:
- Individual and family therapy for child victims of crime
- Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR)
- Art therapy
- Play therapy
- Transportation to and from appointments (within a limited service area)
- Parenting support
- Referrals to psychological and psychiatric services
If you notice a change in your child's behavior following a crime or traumatic event, your child may benefit from counseling. Signs that your child may need professional counseling support include:
- Disclosure of neglect or abuse
- Anxiety or depression
- Problems at school
- Child behavior and school problems
- Grief and loss
- Attention difficulties
- Impulsive behaviors
- Appetite and sleep concerns
- Anger difficulties
- Sexual behavior problems
A forensic interview is a victim-centered, structured conversation used to gather details about the abuse that has occurred or has been witnessed by a child aged 4-17. During a forensic interview, the child will talk to a trained forensic interviewer who has experience talking with children about alleged abuse and is trained to help children feel comfortable while collecting the information that is needed for an investigation. The interview will be recorded for investigative purposes and to avoid the need for multiple interviews.
The CAC reduces trauma to child victims by inviting everyone involved in the investigation to come together around the child after a disclosure of abuse and for follow-up services, including case review meetings, case updates, and coordination between the family and the team.
The team that comes together at the CAC is called the multidisciplinary team (MDT). The MDT meets regularly to share information about and to work together on a case. This team includes representatives from:
- Law Enforcement
- Prosecuting Authorities
- Medical Providers
- Child Protective Services
- Advocacy Services
- Forensic Interview Services
- Mental Health Providers
CAC advocates can provide in-person crisis intervention immediately after a crime occurs. Advocates will co-respond with law enforcement to provide support to child victims and their families and will also accompany victims to emergency medical care and forensic nurse exams.
CAC advocates are not attorneys and cannot provide legal advice but may support survivors through the duration of their civil or criminal cases. This type of support may include:
- Accompanying victims and their families to civil and criminal court proceedings
- Accompanying victims and their families to interviews with law enforcement, prosecutors, and defense counsel
- Providing victims and their families with information and updates related to their case
- Education about civil or criminal legal processes
- Assistance with filing protection orders, parenting plans, or other court forms
- Referrals for legal representation
Emergency financial assistance is grant-dependent and may be available to victims and their families on a case-by-case basis. All services, including financial assistance, are based on eligibility and current funding availability. Assistance may include:
- Basic needs assistance (food, clothing, hygiene, transportation)
- Emergency hotel stays
- Rental and move-in assistance
The CAC offers various training to providers and community members around the issues of child abuse, prevention, and safety. These trainings are customized to fit the needs of participants. Training topics include but are not limited to:
- Mandated reporter training
- How to respond to child sexual abuse
- Healthy relationships
- Teen dating violence
- Social media safety
- Boundaries and consent for children
- Darkness to Light Stewards of Children
Victim Rights
- Be believed and respected
- Skillful forensic interviews and medical exams
- Competent law enforcement investigators
- Be safe
- Receive support and advocacy
- Culturally appropriate support and services
- Services to assist in the healing process
- Victim compensation funds
- Have adults work together to minimize the trauma experienced from abuse