The Southern Tier Child Advocacy Center (STCAC) Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) needs your help! The STCAC brings together a team of professionals to investigate, provide treatment and support when a concern of child physical and/or sexual abuse, child trafficking and exploitation and/or child pornography comes to light.
The team works together to effectively respond and prevent child abuse. Since opening in 2007, the team has conducted more than 3,200 child abuse investigations in Allegany and Cattaraugus counties. Often, the children in these investigations have presented with more than one form of victimization, with exposure to domestic violence being the second most prevelant form.
The MDT is working with many community organizations to enhance services provided to adult survivors and children exposed to domestic violence. Its goal is to develop a Child Advocacy Center (CAC), Family Justice Center and Wellness Center under one roof. The Child Advocacy Center model is a proven effective response to child abuse. The Family Justice Center model, which was developed from the CAC model, is an effective response to domestic violence.
Resources:
- Information about the Child Advocacy Center
- The impact of DV on children
- The mission of a Family Justice Center
The STCAC’s objective is to bring existing agencies together to ensure a streamlined delivery of services for children and families exposed to these forms of violence. This collaborative approach is proven to enhance community safety and family well-being.
Your help is needed to make this vision a reality!
The STCAC MDT is developing working committees to help in developing and building the Center. Please review the information below outlining each committee and let Advocacy Center Director Karen Hill know if you are interested in supporting this effort.
Governance Committee
This committee will determine the most appropriate governance model and structure to support a multi-agency, co-located delivery of services for victims of child abuse, family and domestic violence. Governance will develop policies and identify resources to sustain the program long-term.
Facility Committee
This committee will work to identify a location and facility for the program. The committee will explore existing structures or determine if a new build is needed. This committee will work with the architect to design the physical plant to meet the needs of the program.
Partnerships and Services Committee
This committee will focus on determining onsite and offsite partners as well as building and maintaining relationships and partnerships.
Fundraising Committee
This committee will focus on identifying and raising public and private funds to support the planning, development and building the Center.
The success of this effort is dependent on community support. To learn more, contact Karen Hill at khill@stcacny.org or (716) 372-8532.