Who We Are
Before the establishment of Child and Family Advocacy Centers, victims often would be interviewed by multiple human services agencies, at different times, and in different locations. Thus, the individual would have to tell their story multiple times to different people.
The Child and Family Advocacy Center of South Central Minnesota (CFAC) is a safe, neutral, victim-friendly place for children, adolescents, and vulnerable adults who have experienced abuse, neglect, or who have witnessed a violent crime. Our center offers a new and unique way for our community to address the needs of victims and families.
Individuals who come to the CFAC talk with a highly trained, compassionate professional about what they have experienced. The forensic interviewers are specially trained to conduct neutral, fact-finding interviews that minimize any further trauma for the individual and are appropriate for the cognitive, behavioral, and social development of each person.
Our multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach allows the individual to only have to tell their story once. The team approach helps all professionals coordinate effectively to support families along their path towards healing. We approach cases of abuse as a team of community invested professionals and agencies.
The forensic interviewer, and CFAC staff, are part of a dedicated MDT which consists of child protection specialists, mental health providers, child and family advocates, and investigative services. Medical and mental health consultation may also be available. The MDT works together to achieve the best possible outcomes for victims and their family. This includes continuing case-management services that promote healing and effective prosecution of the offender.
For more information on how a child advocacy center model works, please go to http://www.nationalchildrensalliance.org/cac-model/
