Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC)

The Klingberg Children’s Advocacy Center (“KCAC”) is the hub of a multidisciplinary partnership between professionals that investigates allegations of child abuse and exploitation in a child-friendly, developmentally and clinically appropriate, and culturally sensitive manner. Our multidisciplinary team (“MDT”) approach reduces the number of investigative interviews for the victim, allows for medical and mental health services to be more quickly and effectively coordinated for the victim and non-offending family members, and ensures that the team has the appropriate information to reach a result in each case that is in the best interest of the child. Our services include a forensic interview, a coordinated MDT response, specialized mental health services and referrals for specialized medical exams, All KCAC services are tailored to each child and family’s clinical, financial, linguistic, and cultural needs.

Referrals for CAC services are coordinated with local law enforcement and the Department of Children and Families.

The Benefits of a CAC

In the past, allegations of child abuse were investigated independently by the various agencies necessarily involved in such cases. The child was subjected to repeated interviews by well-meaning social, legal, medical, mental health, and law enforcement agencies as they tried to address investigative and protective concerns. This process was insensitive to the victim and resulted in duplication of effort, working at cross-purposes, and ineffective and delayed responses and intervention. Today, we have Children’s Advocacy Centers that foster collaboration among the agencies and recognize the unique needs of child victims.

CAC Services Include:

Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Approach:

A coordinated, prompt, interagency response to gain knowledge and clarity about the child’s experience

Forensic Interviews:

A single, sensitive and non-leading interview of the child conducted by a specially trained interviewer

Advocacy:

Education, support, information and referrals to assist families through the life of each case

Mental Health Services:

Specialized clinical services tailored to the needs of children and families

Medical Services:

Referral to specialized child abuse pediatric services

For More Information Contact:

Erica Mello, JD, CAC Director, 860-515-2369    Erica.Mello@Klingberg.com

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Klingberg’s Child Advocacy Program works closely with the office of:

VICTIMS OF CRIME ACT (VOCA) CASE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

VOCA CASE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM Provides holistic supportive services for victims of crime to encourage safety and resiliency. VOCA Case Managers support the personal growth and emotional healing of victims through:

  • Assistance with Victims Compensation Process
  • Advocacy and Emotional Support
  • Connection to resources like counseling, housing assistance, child care, transportation, etc
  • Crisis Intervention and Safety Planning

THE VOCA PROGRAM WILL INVOLVE:

  • Assistance with Victims Compensation Process
  • Advocacy and Emotional Support
  • Connection to resources like counseling, housing assistance, child care, transportation, etc.
  • Crisis Intervention and Safety Planning

PROVIDING SUPPORT FOR THE FOLLOWING VICTIMS

  • Adults Sexually Abused/Assaulted as Children
  • Adult Physical Assault
  • Bullying (Cyber, Physical, or Verbal)
  • Burglary
  • Child Physical Abuse and Neglect
  • Domestic and/or Family Violence
  • DUI/DWI Incidents
  • Elder Abuse/Neglect
  • Hate Crime (Racial/Religious/Gender/ Sexual Orientation/Other)
  • Human Trafficking: Sex/Labor
  • Identity Theft/Fraud/Financial Crimes
  • Other Vehicular Victimization
  • Stalking/Harassment
  • Survivors of Homicide Victims
  • Teen Dating Victimization

ELIGIBILITY (one of the following must be true)

  • The victimization occurred in Connecticut.
  • The victim lived in Connecticut when the victimization occurred.
  • The victim lived in Connecticut at the time services are sought.

TO APPLY:

  • Visit one of the local providers mentioned inside the brochures.
  • Victims can click on the intake form below https://tinyurl.com/VOCAintakeCCFSA
  • Self-refer by calling 1-800-505-9000.