CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER
OF TUSCOLA COUNTYÂ
HOW IT WORKS
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A report or child abuse is received.
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The CAC coordinates a time when professional from Law Enforcement, Prosecuting Attorney's Officer, Victim advocate, Forensic Interviewer, victim, and family come together. The alleged child victims(s) are brought to the "child friendly" Center to be interviewed by a trained forensic interviewer.
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The rest of the "team" observe the interview on a closed cicruit television.
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The interview is videotaped, providing permanent history of any disclosure.
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The approach significantly reduces the need for multiple interviews.
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Team members work together on the case ensuring a coordinated effort.
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Support and advocacy services are provided to the victim and non-offending family members.
HISTORY
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Non-profit Organization
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Opened in March 2013
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Began operations in April 2013
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Accredited Child Advocacy Center through the National Children's Alliance: January 2014
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2017 - Began Body Awareness Curriculum Kids Have Rights. Presented in all Kindergarten through 3rd grade classrooms in Tuscola County. Empowers children to protect themselves from abusers, provides valuable information for educators and parents.
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2020 - Provide trauma informed mental health services for all clients in need​.
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2023 - Began Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) medical services for clients in Tuscola County
TEAM APPROACH
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Allows for more informed decision-making.
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Coordinated investigations are more efficient and more effective; CAC's make this a reality.
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Traditional investigations cost 36% more that CAC& MDT investigations. CAC's can save as much as $1,000.00 per child abuse case by streamlining the process.
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Communities with CAC's were able to make faster decisions to charge criminals with crimes against children.
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Defendants convicted of sex crimes against children were sentenced to longer prison terms when they had been investigated via the CAC & MDT model.
ABOUT US
