South Carolina Network of Children's Advocacy Centers

Empowering South Carolina communities & Children's Advocacy Centers to deliver a best practice response to child abuse.

To understand what a Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) is, you must understand what children face without one. Without a CAC, a child abuse victim may end up having to talk about the worst thing that has happened in his or her life repeatedly—to doctors, police officers, lawyers, therapists, investigators, judges, and others. They may have to talk about that traumatic experience in a police station, where they think they might be in trouble, or maybe asked the wrong questions by a well-meaning teacher or other adult—questions that could hurt the case against the abuser.

With the CAC Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) approach, the child is brought to the CAC by a caregiver or other "safe" adult. At the CAC, the child tells their story once to a trained forensic 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 professionals, the Solicitor's Office, CPS, victim advocates, and other professionals, makes decisions together about how to help the child based on the interview. CACs offer therapy and medical exams,  as well as courtroom preparation, victim advocacy, case management, and other services.

Testimonials

SCNCAC and our member CACs collect survey information from the children served, their caregivers, and members of the multidisciplinary team. Below are some of the data and testimonials received:

• 99% of youth reported that CACs made them feel safe and listened to.
  • "That I was able to open up and talk to someone about everything that happened." - A Child Served
• 98% of caregivers agree that CACs provide them with resources to support their children.
  • "I appreciate the safe space they provide for children and all of the services they provide. The informational package is extremely helpful." - A Child's Caregiver
• 97% of team members believe clients benefit from the collaborative approach of the CAC MDT model.
  • "Overall, the team setting is crucial to the success of prosecution and getting the victim’s the continued help they deserve after a traumatic event." - An MDT Member

SCNCAC Services
SCNCAC supports communities and Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs) across all four regions of the state to deliver a best practice response to child abuse. SCNCAC offers support, advocacy, quality assurance, and state leadership for CACs by providing technical assistance and continuing education. 

Below are some 2025 activity and impact highlights:

• SCNCAC addressed 3,280 Technical Assistance requests on behalf of CACs and multidisciplinary team (MDT) partners.
• SCNCAC provided 10,113 hours of Continuing Education to support the statewide response to child abuse.
• CACs in South Carolina served 14,184 Children, representing an almost 74% increase over the past 10 years.

Click the button below for more information on the South Carolina Network of Children's Advocacy Center.

SCNCAC Website