This publication is a literature review on the history of Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs) in the United States.
This literature review summarizes the history of Children's Advocacy Centers (CACs) in the United States, discusses characteristics of CACs and the children who use them, and examines CACs' effectiveness in responding to child maltreatment. CACs were established to improve the response to, and prosecution of, child maltreatment. CACs are community-based, multidisciplinary organizations designed to reduce the stress experienced by child victims and nonoffending family members during the investigation process, improve case outcomes, and ensure that services are provided to all child victims. Child abuse and neglect can increase the likelihood of many other adverse outcomes. Child protective services (CPS) agencies investigate maltreatment allegations and provide services to promote children's safety and well-being. Some cases result in criminal charges and the prosecution of the individual identified as responsible for the abuse. However, the process of investigating maltreatment can be frightening, confusing, and traumatizing for the very children it is intended to help. Services are not always available, and only a small percentage of child abuse and neglect cases are ever prosecuted.