Children’s Advocacy Center

The Central Arkansas Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) is a safe place for kids who may have been abused to tell their story. We bring together a team of specially trained professionals who evaluate and investigate cases of child abuse and help children and their families through this hard time.

The Forensic Interview is the heart of our work. The child victim will speak with an interviewer who has special training in the many dynamics of child abuse. The goal is to make each child as comfortable as possible while gathering information in a neutral, objective way. Interviews are videotaped in an effort to reduce the number of times the child has to talk about the abuse. It is important to recognize that at the Children’s Advocacy Center the child victim is being interviewed, not interrogated. The child is the victim and is not in trouble.

Medical Exam – An on-site medical exam room staffed with trained staff offers child sexual assault victims a medical exam that collects evidence and document trauma, if present. Most importantly, it is performed to reassure the child and family that his/her body is okay.

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What to tell a child about visiting the Children’s Advocacy Center?
A child may be nervous or worried about what will take place during their visit. It is okay to tell the child they will be going to someplace special where they can talk openly about their feelings. It is okay to tell the child that the people at the Children’s Advocacy Center are there to listen to them and that they want to make sure that the child is safe.

Our Team Approach
A multi-disciplinary team (MDT) is the key to the Children’s Advocacy Center. Professionals from a variety of agencies – child protection workers, law enforcement officers, mental health providers, advocates, and prosecutors – join forces to ensure child victims are receiving the essential services, referrals, as well as tracking the progress of the criminal case.

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Central Arkansas CASA

Central Arkansas CASA (court appointed special advocates) recruits and trains local advocates to stand up for abused and neglected children. They represent the child’s best interests in court, and help them find safe, permanent homes.

The CASA Volunteer provides consistency and stability in a time of turmoil. A CASA Advocate is more than a volunteer – they complete 30 hours of training and become a sworn officer of the court.

When a CASA is appointed a case, they explore the child’s background and assess their situation to make objective recommendations to the court. The child may be placed with parents, relatives, foster care, or available for permanent adoption. A CASA stays with a case until the child is in a safe, permanent home.

Please click here to learn about becoming an advocate

Together, these programs protect children from further harm and restore hope to their lives.

The CASA Way of communicating with the social workers, foster parents, family, teachers, and most importantly, the child allows the advocate to provide the judge with comprehensive information that helps in providing a focused, personal and heartfelt understanding of what is in the best interest of the child. A CASA volunteer can be the difference between success and failure in a child’s life.

How do CACs and forensic interviewing help kids? 

The forensic interview is the heart of our work. The goal is to make each child as comfortable as possible while gathering information in a neutral, objective way.

CASA Advocate

In a time of turmoil, CASA advocates provide consistency and stability. A CASA advocate is more than a volunteer – they complete 30 hours of training and become a sworn officer of the court.

A CASA VOLUNTEER IS AN INDIVIDUAL WHO:

• Is at least 21 years old.
• Successfully passes screening, background checks and a personal interview prior to starting training.
• Has strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Is able to commit 15 hours each month.
• Is willing to travel within the state depending upon child placement.
• Successfully completes 33 hours of initial training provided by the CASA program. Any sessions missed must be made up before the applicant is assigned to case.
• Is able to keep information confidential and can work within established program guidelines.
• Respects a child’s inherent right to grow up with dignity in a safe and nurturing environment.

A CASA VOLUNTEER MUST:

• Have the ability to keep all information confidential.
• Be able to deal with hostility, anger, and other emotional attitudes.
• Be able to communicate effectively and relate to people from various backgrounds in a variety of settings.
• Be able to maintain objectivity.
• Maintain professionalism in behavior and appearance.
• Be willing to report any incidents of child abuse or neglect.

A CASA VOLUNTEER’S RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Maintaining written records about the case.
• Interviewing all parties involved in the case, including the child.
• Remaining actively involved until the case is closed and no other services are needed.
• Providing the CASA office with a court report 10 business days prior to all court proceedings.
• Attend 12 hours of continuing education each year. Provided through monthly CASA In Service Programs.
• Make visits to the child at a minimum of once per month.
• Participate in the child’s planning and treatment program and ensure that essential needs are being met at all times.

What is a CASA Volunteer?
A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer is a trained citizen who is appointed by a judge to represent the best interest of an abused and neglected child in court.

What is the CASA volunteer’s role?
A CASA volunteer provides the judge with carefully researched information about the child to help the court make a sound decision about that child’s future. The CASA volunteer makes recommendations about placement to the judge and follows through until the child reaches a safe, permanent home.

How does a CASA volunteer investigate a case?
To prepare a recommendation, the CASA volunteer talks with the child, parents, family members, social workers, school officials, health providers, and others who are knowledgeable about the child. The CASA volunteer also reviews all records pertaining to the child- school, medical and case worker reports and other documents.

How does the CASA volunteer relate to the child he or she represents?
CASA volunteers offer children trust and advocacy during complex legal proceedings. They explain to the child the events that are happening, the reasons they are in court, and the roles of the judge, lawyers, and social workers. CASA volunteers also encourage the child to express his or her own opinion and hopes, while remaining objective observers.

How many cases on average does a CASA volunteer carry at one time?
Volunteers can carry up to a maximum of two cases.

How much time does being a CASA volunteer require?
After thirty hours of initial training, volunteers typically work about 10-15 hours a month.

How long does a CASA volunteer remain involved in the case?
The volunteer continues until the case is permanently resolved.

What children are assigned CASA volunteers?
Children who are victims of abuse and neglect who have become wards of the court are assigned CASA volunteers.

Click here to download a complete advocate application packet