The Child Advocacy Center (CAC) of Putnam County is a vital resource dedicated to supporting children and families affected by abuse. Established in 1999, the CAC offers an array of comprehensive, multidisciplinary services designed explicitly for children suspected of experiencing abuse. With a focus on creating a safe and welcoming environment, the Center aims to handle allegations of child abuse in a coordinated manner, significantly reducing the risk of further trauma for young victims.
Over the years, the CAC has significantly impacted more than 3,000 children and their families since its inception. The Center provides a child-friendly atmosphere, which helps to ease the anxiety of both the child and their family during a pivotal time. Essential services include forensic interviews, medical evaluations, mental health assessments, victim support, and advocacy.
The CAC is unwavering in its commitment to serving child victims with the utmost sensitivity, understanding, competence, and compassion, ensuring that each child’s needs are prioritized and addressed holistically. By fostering a collaborative approach among various disciplines, the CAC helps to ensure that every child receives the comprehensive care and support they deserve in their healing process.
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Child Advocacy Center (CAC) of Putnam County Programs:
Multidisciplinary Team
Allegations of child sexual abuse, severe physical abuse, and domestic violence involving or witnessed by children are investigated by the CAC’s specially trained multidisciplinary team (MDT). Members of the MDT include law enforcement investigators, prosecutors, specialized child protective service workers, medical and mental health providers, victim advocates, and CAC staff. Cases are referred to the CAC by law enforcement, child protective services, or the district attorney’s office.
Safe Harbour (Human Trafficking)
Safe Harbour Putnam County identifies trafficked youth and those at risk of being trafficked. Safe Harbour is a victim-centered, strength-based program that provides services to trafficked and at-risk youth, their families, and caregivers, such as trauma-informed mental health services, case management, psychiatric care, emergency and long-term shelter, substance abuse treatment, immigration assistance, legal advocacy, educational and vocational assistance, and other services as needed.
Child Fatality Review Team (CFRT)
The Child Fatality Review Team (CFRT) of the CAC of Putnam County is fully approved by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services under Section 422-b and Section 20(5) of Social Services Law and, as such, is mandated to review all deaths of children residing in Putnam County regularly. The purpose and goals of the CFRT are to prevent future deaths and promote child safety.
Suicide Prevention Task Force
The CAC has been involved in these efforts to bring light to the suicide epidemic in the county. Through partnering with others in the community, we are hoping not only to raise awareness about the rising numbers of local suicides but also to examine the cause, manner, and circumstances of suicide to address possible trends and save lives. Suicide is preventable.
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