Our Center - CACofBC

Children’s Advocacy Centers

In 1985, Former Alabama Congressman Robert E. “Bud” Cramer, who was then a District Attorney, organized an effort to formulate a child- and family-focused response to the investigation and service delivery process to allegations and disclosures of child sexual abuse.
A multi-disciplinary team (MDT) response was absent to assist them in their investigative and healing journey. In response to needing a better system to support child victims of sexual abuse, the first Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) was formed in 1985 in Alabama housed at the National Children Advocacy Center (nationalcac.org). Over 950 CACs exist in the United States and in more than 10 countries throughout the world.

Following the national, evidence-based Children’s Advocacy Center model, the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) of Bristol County, was created in July 2007, as a private, 501c(3) non-profit agency providing a coordinated response to disclosures and allegations of child sexual abuse, severe physical abuse and witness to violence. Populations served include children (ages infant-18) and adults with intellectual disabilities (ages 18+).
Working closely with a multi-disciplinary team (MDT), comprised of law enforcement, Massachusetts Department of Children & Families, Bristol County District Attorney’s office, Massachusetts Pedi-SANE program and community-based agencies, the center provides direct services to children and families from any of the 20 towns and cities in Bristol County, Massachusetts. All services are provided free of charge, with the exception of any serology which may be required during a health examination.