Children's Advocacy Center Of Delaware
About Children's Advocacy Center Of Delaware
Children’s Advocacy Center of Delaware gives children and families a steadier first stop during some of the hardest moments they face. In Dover and across Delaware, it provides forensic interviews, family support, referrals, and coordinated case response so children are not bounced from place to place. For donors, the appeal is simple: this is direct, practical support that helps organize care around the child, not the system.
What sets this organization apart is the way it brings child protection, law enforcement, prosecution, medical, and behavioral health partners into a child-friendly setting across all three Delaware counties. It also gives families something easy to miss in crisis, clear guidance, caregiver resources, and help finding the next step.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Forensic interviews of children
Specially trained forensic interviewers speak with children suspected of being abused or who may have witnessed a violent crime in a safe, child-friendly setting.
Forensic interviews of adults with disabilities
Specially trained forensic interviewers speak with adults with disabilities who are suspected victims of abuse or who may have witnessed a violent crime.
Non-clinical assessments and referrals
Staff assess children and families and connect them to social, behavioral health, mental health, and medical services.
Multidisciplinary team facilitation and coordination
The organization facilitates and coordinates MDT meetings and supports law enforcement, child protection, prosecution, behavioral health, social services, and medical partners working on child abuse cases.
Crisis intervention
Crisis intervention is provided as part of services for children and families.
Technical assistance and training
Technical assistance and training are provided to support child abuse response work.
Mental health services for children
The organization provides mental health services for children and refers many children to outside resources for more in-depth mental health services.
Medical evaluations
Medical evaluations are included among the child-focused services offered.
Child abuse awareness and prevention initiatives
The organization participates in child abuse awareness and prevention initiatives across Delaware.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
To reduce the devastating long-term effects that child abuse has on children, their families and society through immediate, coordinated, child focused services, education, and advocacy.
Who they serve
Children and families affected by abuse or neglect in Delaware, along with adults with disabilities who are suspected victims of abuse or who may have witnessed a violent crime.
Their impact
- 1,402 new cases received
- 1,289 forensic interviews conducted
- 2,460 cases reviewed through the case review process
How your donation helps
- A safe environment for children and families experiencing the effects of child abuse
- Supportive services for children and families
- Resources for caregivers and family members
- Prevention and awareness initiatives across Delaware
Our story
Founded in 1995, Children’s Advocacy Center of Delaware grew around the Children’s Advocacy Center model for child abuse response. That model was built to reduce repeated interviews and coordinate law enforcement, child protection, prosecution, behavioral health, social services, and medical services around each child.
Need help?
How someone in need can access Children's Advocacy Center Of Delaware’s services.
If a child under 18 is suspected of being abused, neglected, or at risk in Delaware, a report should be made to the Delaware Division of Family Services by calling 1-800-292-9582. The phones are answered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and reports can be made anonymously. During a CAC visit, a staff member greets the family, a forensic interviewer speaks with the child, a Family Resource Advocate provides materials and connects the family to resources, and the multidisciplinary team explains next steps.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
A safe place offering hope and healing
The main goal of all Children’s Advocacy Centers is to make sure that children are not further traumatized or victimized by the systems designed to protect them.
Recognition & press
Press & mentions
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
What happens during a CAC visit?
A staff member greets the family, the child waits in a child-friendly area, and a forensic interviewer meets with the child. While that is happening, a Family Resource Advocate offers materials and support. Afterward, the family meets with the multidisciplinary team to hear next steps and ask questions.
Who conducts the child interview?
A specially trained professional conducts the interview. The interviewer has knowledge of child development, the dynamics of abuse, and how to speak with children of all ages and abilities.
Are the interviews recorded?
Yes. All interviews conducted at the CAC are recorded, and the recordings are turned over to the law enforcement officer and prosecutor assigned to the case.
How are families supported during the process?
A Family Resource Advocate meets with the caregiver, shares resource materials and the CAC Caregiver Handbook, completes a needs assessment, and helps connect the family to needed services and resources.
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