Child Advocacy Center

What is a Child Advocacy Center (CAC)
A CAC is a confidential space that provides a comprehensive, trauma informed, and multi-agency response to investigate allegations of child abuse in a dedicated, child-friendly setting.

The CAC functions as a multidisciplinary team (MDT) which include disciplines from law enforcement, forensic interviewers, mental health, child welfare, medical, prosecutors, and family and victim advocates.

The MDT collaborates and coordinates to reduce potential trauma to children and families while respecting the rights, mandates, and obligations of each agency that investigates allegations of child abuse.


Services offered at the Child Advocacy Center of San Luis Obispo County:
Child Forensic Interviews
The CAC conducts forensic interviews through the District Attorney’s Child Abuse Interview Team (CAIT) which are conducted in a manner that is neutral, fact-finding in nature, and coordinated to avoid duplicative interviewing. Interviews take place in a welcoming and supportive environment, are video recorded, and observed in an adjoining room by a multi-disciplinary team consisting of a detective, child welfare worker, and prosecutor.

Forensic Medical Exams
The CAC provides specialized forensic medical exams and treatment to victims through the County Public Health Suspected Abuse Response Team (SART). Specialized child abuse pediatricians conduct these exams to identify children who have been maltreated by injury, abuse and/or neglect.

Family Advocacy Services
CAC family advocates work closely with parents, caregivers, and non-offending family members by providing emotional guidance, support, and referrals for community-based services.  The CAC facilitates healing for all members of the family.  The CAC family Advocates follow up several times after the family’s initial visit to the CAC to help each family overcome any obstacles they encounter while working their way towards healing.

For additional information about the Child Advocacy Center of San Luis Obispo County call 805-781-4980.  To report suspected child abuse call 805-781-5437.