Welcome to Child Advocacy Centers of Wisconsin
When police or child protective services believe a child may be experiencing abuse, the child is brought to the CAC—a safe, child-focused environment—by a caregiver or other “safe” adult. At the CAC, the child tells their story once to a trained interviewer who knows the right questions to ask in a way that does not retraumatize the child. Then, a team that includes medical professionals, law enforcement, mental health, prosecution, child protective services, victim advocacy, and other professionals make decisions together about how to help the child based on the interview. CACs offer therapy and medical exams, plus courtroom preparation, victim advocacy, case management, and other services. This is called the multidisciplinary team (MDT) response and is a core part of the work of CACs.
What is a CAC?
CACs are how communities mount a coordinated response to allegations of child abuse. To understand what a CAC is, you must understand what children face without one. Without a CAC, a child may end up having to tell the worst story of his or her life over and over again, to doctors, police, lawyers, therapists, investigators, judges, and others. They may not get the help they need to heal once the investigation is over, either.
What is a CAC?
When police or child protective services believe a child may be experiencing abuse, the child is brought to the CAC—a safe, child-focused environment—by a caregiver or other “safe” adult. At the CAC, the child tells their story once to a trained interviewer who knows the right questions to ask in a way that does not retraumatize the child. Then, a team that includes medical professionals, law enforcement, mental health, prosecution, child protective services, victim advocacy, and other professionals make decisions together about how to help the child based on the interview. CACs offer therapy and medical exams, plus courtroom preparation, victim advocacy, case management, and other services. This is called the multidisciplinary team (MDT) response and is a core part of the work of CACs.
CACs are how communities mount a coordinated response to allegations of child abuse. To understand what a CAC is, you must understand what children face without one. Without a CAC, a child may end up having to tell the worst story of his or her life over and over again, to doctors, police, lawyers, therapists, investigators, judges, and others. They may not get the help they need to heal once the investigation is over, either.
Our Mission
To enhance Wisconsin’s response to child maltreatment by guiding statewide leadership and facilitating meaningful access to child advocacy center and multidisciplinary team services.
Our Vision
We envision a state with safe, healthy, and resilient children and families supported by a strong network of child maltreatment professionals.
Our Vision
We envision a state with safe, healthy, and resilient children and families supported by a strong network of child maltreatment professionals.
Report Child Abuse or Neglect
To report suspected or disclosed child abuse or neglect, please find the correct number here to call.
Child Advocacy Center Locations
Every child deserves access to healing and justice.
If your county lacks a CAC, the nearest center may still be able to help. CACs work across communities to ensure no child is left without access to comprehensive care and coordinated response.
Contact the closest CAC to find out how they may be able to support children and families in your area.
Child Advocacy Center Locations
Every child deserves access to healing and justice.
If your county lacks a CAC, the nearest center may still be able to help.
CACs work across communities to ensure no child is left without access to comprehensive care and coordinated response.
Contact the closest CAC to find out how they may be able to support children and families in your area.
Contact Child Advocacy Centers of Wisconsin
Have a question or want to learn more about how we support children and families across Wisconsin?
Fill out the form below and a member of our team will be in touch soon.
We’re here to help!