A CAC offers coordinated services to help children and their families through an investigation of child abuse. When abuse is suspected, a child will come to a CAC to describe what happened to them in an environment that is safe and child-focused.

A multidisciplinary team, specializing in child abuse, will conduct a thorough and collaborative investigation. The needs of the child will receive the highest priority and specific care will be taken to minimize further trauma or anxiety.

The multidisciplinary approach expedites the investigation and prosecution of those who offend against children, while providing a safe, child friendly, full service environment where these children can begin the healing process. This approach is designed to provide team collaboration on all child cases, thus assuring improved response time, coordination and information sharing.

• CAC investigations are more likely to be conducted in a coordinated fashion; making the process easier on the families
• Non-offending parents and caregivers exhibit higher satisfaction with the investigation
• Children are more likely to receive a mental health referral
• Children are more likely to receive a forensic medical examination if they are involved with a CAC

Our Child Advocacy Center Offers:

• Forensic Interviews – Conducted by professional members of the multidisciplinary team (MDT) who have received advanced training in child interviewing. The interviewer avoids questions that might be considered suggestive or coercive.
• Victim Advocacy– A program whose mission is to provide comprehensive specialized services for victims. Services include responding to the immediate needs of child crime victims and non-offending family members and provide education and support. Referrals are routinely made for other needed services.
• Pediatric Forensic Medical Exams– Conducted by specially trained and certified Nurse Practitioners. Exams conducted by these highly qualified examiners provide support to the child and family. The exams are conducted at the Child Advocacy Center
• Counseling Services – Available through Saratoga Center for the Family. Specially trained trauma focused therapists provide individual, family and group counseling for child victims and non-offending family members.
• Outreach and Education – Prevention education programs that aim to equip children, youth and adults with the knowledge and skills needed to make safe choices in unsafe and potentially harmful situations. 

For assistance or further information, Please feel free to contact the Child Advocacy Center:

Nicole Iwaniec

CAC Director                                                                                                                                    

359 Ballston Avenue

Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

(518) 587-8008 Ext 314