CAC Client Services
The Child Advocacy Center is the only location in the area that is child-focused and utilizes the trauma-informed model adopted nationally by the National Children’s Alliance as a best practice for children who have suffered abuse. Our therapists, forensic interviewers, and advocates all have specialized, advanced, training in the treatment of childhood trauma. All our services are available free of charge for as long as they are needed.
But there is hope. Childhood trauma can be overcome with intensive, supportive therapy and services that will enable the child to process and move past their traumatic experience.
Advocacy
Our team of Victim Advocates ensure each case is handled thoroughly and families feel safe and understood.
Forensic Interviewing
Reducing the number of interviews in which a child must particpate, thus making the process less traumatic.
Therapy
Providing healing through counseling services to help each child process their trauma in a safe space.
Emergency Response
We always have Advocacy, Forensic Interviewing & Therapy staff on call to respond 24/7 to emergency calls.
Human Trafficking Victims
We are members of the
Alachua County Coalition Against Human Trafficking.
Eight core agencies working together to make the process less traumatic for all child abuse victims
Additional Partner Agencies:
- Alachua County Health Department
- Alachua County Schools
- Alachua County Victim Services
- Alachua Police Department
- Children’s Home Society
- CDS Family and Behavioral Health Services
- Department of Juvenile Justice
- High Springs Police Department
- Office of the Attorney General
- Peaceful Paths
- Shands/UF/Social Work
CAC Prevention & Training Services
The Prevention and Training Team plays a vital role in promoting child safety and well-being through community development, outreach, and education. Our team facilitates the Lauren’s Kids Curriculum, an evidence-based program that empowers children with the knowledge and skills to recognize, prevent, and report abuse.
Our team is also dedicated to building safer communities by providing comprehensive child abuse reporting trainings to community members and professionals. Additionally, we equip educators with the tools and information they need to recognize signs of abuse and respond appropriately, reinforcing a community-wide commitment to protecting children.
Training Opportunities
Training Opportunities
The CAC provides a variety of training opportunities to professionals and community members.
Our goal is to educate and provide the tools necessary to keep children safe.
- CTAC Providers - View list of training sessions HERE
- Parents & Caregivers - View list of training sessions below
- Want to request a training? Click the button below
Parent & Caregiver Trainings
No trainings scheduled at this time
Thank you!
With national studies finding 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually abused by the age of 18, the Child Advocacy Center remains dedicated to child sexual abuse prevention training and education. We deliver best practice programs for schools, community groups, corporations and faith-based organizations, tailoring curricula to meet each audience’s needs.
Human Trafficking – Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC)
Since 2009, the Child Advocacy Center has grown its practice and training to address a previously overlooked form of child sexual abuse, the commercial sexual exploitation of children. We offer training to service providers and other professionals throughout North Central Florida and have provided sessions at several major conferences.
Childhood Trauma Training for
Non-Clinicians
Child traumatic stress refers to the physical and emotional responses of a child to events that threaten the life of the child or of someone critically important to the child. Students preparing to become social workers, teachers, counselors and or plan to work with children in other ways are invited to participate in this informative, interactive education program about trauma-informed care and what it means for the health and well-being of children.
What is Trauma-Informed?
Trauma is an experience that causes harm and overwhelms a person’s ability to cope. Some examples of trauma are abuse, neglect, witnessing acts of violence, household dysfunction, grief, and loss, or accidents and natural disasters.
Childhood trauma can lead to drug use, alcoholism, depression, suicide, poor academic performance, diminished health, difficulties on the job, and disease. Research has shown that trauma impacts the way a child’s brain develops and the ability to learn, play, and connect with others.
Copyright © 2024 Child Advocacy Center - All Rights Reserved.
CALL THE FLORIDA ABUSE HOTLINE AT 1-800-96-ABUSE.
Contact the Child Advocacy Center at (352) 376-9161
PO Box 13454
Gainesville, FL 32604
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