Learn more about our mission, and how our team of experts work to help children and families heal, reclaim their agency and thrive.
Get to Know the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Nevada
Learn more about our mission, and how our team of experts work to help children and families heal, reclaim their agency and thrive.
Our Mission
Children who have been victimized need the best in care and compassion from their community. For that reason, the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Nevada work tirelessly to raise funds, spread awareness about child abuse and exploitation, and provide victimized children and their non-offending caregivers with the tools they need to navigate a challenging time.
It is the mission of the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Nevada to help and heal children who have been victims of sexual abuse and exploitation through community advocacy and supporting the work of the various agencies that work to address this issue in our community. Ultimately, it is our goal to use the institutions of our community to minimize the impact of childhood traumas related to sexual abuse and exploitation and contribute meaningfully to positive lifelong outcomes for the children we serve.
In 2017, Nevada established a state chapter to support CACs statewide. In doing so, Nevada joined a national movement to change the model of how child abuse cases are investigated and prosecuted. All of Nevada’s CACs are members of the National Children’s Alliance and recognized at one of their three accreditation levels. This ensures the use of the highest standards and best practices for children and their families in every CAC.
The Children’s Advocacy Centers of Nevada is a recognized Chapter by the National Children’s Alliance and serves the following roles:
- Provides support services to emerging and existing Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs) and multidisciplinary teams (MDTs);
- Assists with the development, continuation, and enhancement of the CAC model throughout the state;
- Facilitates a collaborative statewide network dedicated to a coordinated and comprehensive response to child abuse;
- Represents CAC members, staff, and the Chapter’s governing entity through a collaborative process; and
- Serves as an expert resource in Nevada regarding child abuse issues and the CAC model.
State Statutes That Define, Promote, and/or Require the Use of the Children’s Advocacy Centers Model Are Foundational to the Success and Long-Term Viability of this Proven Approach for Justice and Healing to Victims of Child Abuse.
State Statutes That Define, Promote, and/or Require the Use of the Children’s Advocacy Centers Model Are Foundational to the Success and Long-Term Viability of this Proven Approach for Justice and Healing to Victims of Child Abuse.
State and Federal Laws Support the Children’s Advocacy Centers Across Nevada
Nevada State Law Supports CACs
We are grateful to Nevada’s state legislators for passing Assembly Bill 228 unanimously among those present during the 2021 Legislative Session. This crucial legislation defined CACs in state law, set a high bar of accreditation standards for CACs providing services to Nevada’s families, and established the structure for receiving funding, grants, and donations in the future.
Congressionally Identified as the Preferred Model
Congress has identified Children’s Advocacy Centers as the preferred model for the pursuit of justice and healing for child victims of human trafficking, mainly child sex trafficking. Any federal efforts in this area are likely to contain a Children’s Advocacy Center component.
Children’s Advocacy Centers Partner with the FBI to Use Our Services and/or Facilities
The National Children’s Alliance has developed and signed an MOU with the FBI that allows the FBI to use the services and/or facilities of local Children’s Advocacy Centers in their investigations. A statutory definition that includes rigorous standards and provides quality assurances to the FBI.
Children’s Advocacy Centers are a Key Component in Efforts to Prevent Child Abuse Fatalities.
Congress recently received a report from the Commission to End Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities (CECANF) which highlighted the need for a multi system approach. Children’s Advocacy Centers are and will continue to be a key component in efforts to prevent child abuse fatalities.
Department of Defense Preferred Responders
to Allegations of Abuse on Military Bases
The National Children’s Alliance, at the request of Congress, is working with the Department of Defense to develop protocols that will promote the use of Children’s Advocacy Centers as the preferred response to allegations of abuse that occur on military bases. Congress has included $1 million in the Federal Budget to develop a pilot project to coordinate these efforts.
Federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victims Assistance Grants Adopted by the Department of Justice
The Federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victims Assistance Grants made available to the states from the Crime Victims Fund have increased significantly in recent years. A rule regarding VOCA Victims’ Assistance grants recently adopted by the Department of Justice specifically references the use of Children’s Advocacy Centers for forensic interviews as an eligible expense.
We’re in it to help kids. Our mission is to make sure Nevada’s Children have a voice, a place to heal and people they can rely on. Learn more about our programs.
We’re in it to help kids. Our mission is to make sure Nevada’s Children have a voice, a place to heal and people they can rely on. Learn more about our programs.