Before Children’s Advocacy Center (the CAC was formerly known as United for Kids) opened, the investigative process of child abuse could be very traumatic. The child may have been interviewed by as many as five different professionals, in as many different places, even the back seat of a police car. In addition, children’s medical exams were often done at the emergency room, by physicians who weren’t specially trained in these types of examinations of children. This all changed for Saginaw’s children in 1999, when Children’s Advocacy Center (formerly known as United for Kids) opened their doors. The child is interviewed in a friendly atmosphere by a specially trained forensic interviewer. The Center also has a care coordinator who assists the family through the process. Children’s Advocacy Center provides a place for all the professionals involved in the investigation to gather and observe the child’s interview through a closed circuit television system. In addition, the Center has a medical examination room and a specially trained medical staff who perform the medical exams in non-emergency situations. The goal of the Center is to coordinate investigative efforts in a child friendly environment, which increases safety and minimizes trauma to children and their families. Children’s Advocacy Center is an accredited member of the National Children’s Alliance. For more information on NCA go to www.nca-online.org.

Above: Children's Advocacy Center Child Room Above: Children's Advocacy Center Family Waiting Room Above: Children's Advocacy Center Teen Room Above: Children's Advocacy Center Medical Examining Room