Top Nonprofits | Children’s Advocacy Center Hope House
The Voice of Justice, Hope and Healing
The abuse of children in the United States is reaching epidemic proportions. In this country, 3 million children are reported abused and/or neglected each year. And with the increased number of sexual predators utilizing the internet to bait young children, our children are more vulnerable. This is where the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) can help. By giving children the voice and support services they need to lessen the trauma of abuse, children are now speaking out against their abusers. Since its inception in 1994, the CAC of St. Tammany and Washington Parishes has interviewed more than 2,000 children and young teenagers and has dramatically increased the prosecution rate of child abuse cases. CAC works to lessen the trauma of sexually and physically abused children as they recover from their ordeals and as justice is sought against their abusers. The facility, called Hope House, creates a warm and caring atmosphere where the healing process can begin. The CAC is the voice of justice, hope and healing for an abused child.
The Office of Community Services/Child Protection and law enforcement officials refer children to the CAC. These children find solace at Hope House, a special place designed to provide a child-sensitive interview environment that is both warm and non-threatening. A specially trained Forensic Interviewer videotapes disclosures with the child’s knowledge so that the experience does not have to be relived each time it is repeated. Once completed, these tapes are entered into evidence and are used in court cases and litigation. The CAC works to provide for better investigation, resulting in prompt and vigorous prosecution. CAC places the needs of the child first. Emotional, physical, safety and developmental needs are assessed and services are tailored to meet each child’s unique needs. One full-time and one part-time counselor are on staff provided through a cooperative relationship with the Metropolitan Center for Women and Children. Since education and awareness are important tools for each adult to have in combating sexual abuse, no family leaves Hope House without being given information on how to better understand and deal with the trauma. How You Can Help
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