Children's Advocacy Center of York County
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The Children's Advocacy Center of York County (CACYC) is a program of Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine.
The CACYC's mission is to reduce trauma to the children and families we see, increase communication between investigators, streamline child abuse investigations, and ensure survivors of child sexual abuse have all necessary supports in place. In 2019, the CACYC received National Accreditation through the National Children's Alliance.
Check out our video below for a more in-depth look at the program:
The CACYC's mission is to reduce trauma to the children and families we see, increase communication between investigators, streamline child abuse investigations, and ensure survivors of child sexual abuse have all necessary supports in place. In 2019, the CACYC received National Accreditation through the National Children's Alliance.
Check out our video below for a more in-depth look at the program:
Contacting the CAC
You can contact the CAC for general information, but only law enforcement, district attorneys' offices, and Department of Health and Human Services caseworkers can make referrals for a forensic interview and follow-up services.
You may contact us by emailing us or by calling (207) 459-2380.
You may contact us by emailing us or by calling (207) 459-2380.
Questions you might have about the CAC
What is a Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC)?
A CAC is a safe, child-friendly space where a child comes when there are concerns of sexual abuse. That child can be interviewed by someone with special training in talking with children. Whoever is investigating can watch the interview from another room, so the child only meets one person. Families meet with the team before and after the interview. While at the CAC, the family meets with our Advocate to talk about any support or help they might need.
What is a forensic interview?
A forensic interview is a conversation between a trained professional and a child. This conversation is filmed and put onto a DVD. Interviewers are trained to meet kids where they are at, make sure they feel safe and comfortable, and give them space to talk.
Who can watch forensic interviews? Who gets a copy of the DVD?
Forensic interviews are evidence, so only investigators watch. This could be child protective workers, police officers, and prosecutors from the District Attorney’s office. Copies of the DVD only go to investigators and are not held at the CAC.
Are there other CACs?
Yes. There are CACs in all 50 states, across Maine, and around the world.
Who can refer a child? What cases can be seen at the CAC?
We take referrals from police, Child Protective Services, and the District Attorney’s office. We are called when there is a concern about child sexual abuse.
What services are offered by the CAC?
No. The CAC connects families with therapists in York County that have experience with children and helps CAC families avoid wait lists.
A CAC is a safe, child-friendly space where a child comes when there are concerns of sexual abuse. That child can be interviewed by someone with special training in talking with children. Whoever is investigating can watch the interview from another room, so the child only meets one person. Families meet with the team before and after the interview. While at the CAC, the family meets with our Advocate to talk about any support or help they might need.
What is a forensic interview?
A forensic interview is a conversation between a trained professional and a child. This conversation is filmed and put onto a DVD. Interviewers are trained to meet kids where they are at, make sure they feel safe and comfortable, and give them space to talk.
Who can watch forensic interviews? Who gets a copy of the DVD?
Forensic interviews are evidence, so only investigators watch. This could be child protective workers, police officers, and prosecutors from the District Attorney’s office. Copies of the DVD only go to investigators and are not held at the CAC.
Are there other CACs?
Yes. There are CACs in all 50 states, across Maine, and around the world.
Who can refer a child? What cases can be seen at the CAC?
We take referrals from police, Child Protective Services, and the District Attorney’s office. We are called when there is a concern about child sexual abuse.
What services are offered by the CAC?
- Support for families
- Interviews of Children
- Links to specialized medical services
- Referrals to therapy, legal help, and other supports
No. The CAC connects families with therapists in York County that have experience with children and helps CAC families avoid wait lists.
