Children Advocacy Centers are modeled on the simple but powerful concept of coordination between community agencies and professionals involved in the intervention system. The purpose of interagency collaboration is to coordinate intervention so as to reduce potential trauma to children and families and improve services, while preserving and respecting the rights and obligation of each to pursue their respective mandates. The CAC-LMJC’s primary functions are:

1. To provide forensic interviews, medical exams, and therapy with children who are suspected to be victims of abuse. These services are provided upon referral from law enforcement agencies and the Dept. of Family and Children Services.

2. To facilitate communication between agencies involved with the child and with the investigation and prosecution of abuse.

3. To provide families with referrals to community resources providing medical, financial, housing, parenting, or therapeutic support.

4. To provide training, education, and to raise community consciousness regarding child sexual abuse identification and prevention.