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Who We Are
One Person Can Make a Difference
The Children's Advocacy Center of Monroe County is one of nearly 800 Child Advocacy Centers nationwide. Our focus is the well-being of the child victim and their family. Our center is designed to help children and their families triumph over the trauma of abuse and to provide a safe environment where healing can begin.
Our Story
The CAC model was created in the 1980’s. It is designed to provide a single, child friendly destination where medical, legal and support services can be provided. This prevents the child victim from the stress of undergoing multiple interviews with multiple agencies. The CAC of Monroe County opened in August of 2015 to provide these vital services close to home. With the caseload of 200-250 each year, the need is great. Services are provided to child victims regardless of their ability to pay.
Our Multidisciplinary Investigative Team
Monroe County Children & Youth
Monroe County Children & Youth (MCC&Y) is responsible for the protection of children. The role of the MCC&Y caseworker is to help protect children by providing services and support to resist conditions that are harmful to children. Caseworkers also work with the child's caregiver to develop a safety plan to help protect the child.
Law Enforcement Officials
Law Enforcement Officials are responsible for investigating reports of crime and for determining whether a crime has been committed. They may ask questions to children, non-offending family members, suspects and other witnesses, and gather evidence from the scene of an alleged incident
Medical Professionals
Medical Professionals from the Children's Advocacy Center Team who work with the Multidisciplinary Team are specially trained to conduct a medical evaluation in cases of suspected physical and/or sexual abuse. The primary purpose of the medical evaluation is to ensure the physical and psychological well-being of the child.
Forensic Interviewers
Forensic Interviewers are specially trained to interview children. They conduct non-leading, age and developmentally appropriate interviews using open-ended questions. Our Forensic Interviewers complete the National Children's Advocacy Center Forensic Interview Certification Course in Huntsville, Alabama. Ongoing professional development training on Forensic Interviewing and Child Maltreatment, which includes peer review and training sessions are mandatory and completed annually.
The District Attorney's Office
The Monroe County District Attorney's Office is responsible for assessing the case for prosecution, filing charges and prosecuting cases of child abuse. Consideration is given to many factors including the age and maturity of the child, the child's ability to testify, whether the suspect has confesses, the presence of medical evidence, and the availability of witnesses. The prosecutor has the final decision as to whether charges will be filed.
Family Advocate
The Family Advocate/Intake Specialist provides a wide variety of services to support the physical and emotional wellbeing of child abuse victims and their supportive caregiver(s). The Family Advocate also assists the supportive caregiver(s) with referrals for services.
Mental Health Therapists
Mental Health Therapists offer trauma-focused treatment to children and their families who become involved with The Children's Advocacy Center of Monroe County (CAC).
Our Children's Advocacy Center Team
Executive Director ..........Curtis Rogers
Assistant Director & Forensic Interviewer ...... Lynn Courtright
Forensic Interviewer ...... Whitney Rice
Medical Professional ...... Diane Martinetti, CRNP
Family Advocate ...... TBD
Board of Directors
President ..........William Parrish
Treasurer .......... Lauren Peterson
Director .......... Adelaide Grace
Director .......... Michael Rakaczewski
Director .......... Troy Serfass
Director .......... Stacey Grant
Director .......... Yvonne Downs
Ex Officio Director .......... District Attorney Michael Mancuso
Our Sponsors
