CACs provide state-of-the-art treatment for the victims of child sexual abuse and child abuse. They coordinate medical care, treatment and other social services for victims while gathering evidence, through age-appropriate forensic interviewing and other methods employed by MDITs, to build an effective case against the alleged offender. By bringing medical professionals, social workers, prosecutors and police who specialize in child sexual abuse together under one roof, CACs are the most effective way to bring a perpetrator to justice
The CACAC is comprised of a variety of experts representing district attorneys, children and youth services, child advocacy centers, state and municipal police, victim services, physicians, nurses, mental health professionals and hospital administrators. All of the members of the committee have experience in the multidisciplinary investigation of child abuse through the operation of a CAC.
The mission of the CACAC is to support the enhancement and establishment of children’s advocacy centers and multidisciplinary investigative teams throughout this Commonwealth in order to promote prevention, treatment and justice for victims of child sexual abuse and child abuse.
On May 15, 2014, Debra Shilling Wolfe of the Field Center for Children’s Policy, Practice and Research at the University of Pennsylvania, and Ms. Richa Ranade presented their report to the CACAC on “Child Advocacy Center Statewide Plan Development: Technical Assistance to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.” The report was commissioned by PCCD to meet the requirements of House Resolution 45, which directed PCCD to conduct a study of the current location of CACs in PA and make recommendations for additional locations. The study can be found here: PCCD Report Statewide CAC Plan (PDF)
The Endowment Act, or Act 1 of 2013, directs PCCD to expend the monetary penalty imposed on the Pennsylvania State University (PSU) by the National Collegiate Athletic Conference (NCAA) to aid the victims of child sexual abuse in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Upcoming Meetings
- February 18, 2025
- May 20, 2025
- August 19, 2025
- November 18, 2025
Related documents
Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation in Pennsylvania
CACs in PA and Drive-Time Analysis Map
A Survey of Pennsylvania Child Trauma Services: Key Findings
Model Set of Standards for Pennsylvania’s Multidisciplinary Investigative Teams