Suffolk County's D.A.'s Office: Children's Advocacy Center

MISSION

The Children's Advocacy Center of Suffolk County is an interagency, public/private partnership dedicated to minimizing trauma to children and families when concerns of abuse arise. The Center coordinates investigations and assessments with clinical and legal competence in an atmosphere that is safe and respectful of each family's culture. The Center collaborates in training and research efforts to prevent child abuse in our community.

CHILDREN AT RISK
Child abuse is a crime that affects every racial, cultural and socio-economic group -- no community escapes its ugly reality. Each year in Suffolk County, over 1,000 cases of child sexual abuse and child physical abuse are reported to the District Attorney's Office from the Department of Social Services, the police, and others.

By law, a number of state agencies must investigate all reports of abuse. Often agencies act independently of each other. As a result, child victims may be interviewed by many different people, and at multiple times about the alleged abuse over a period of months. Families may not receive necessary services or services may be duplicated. In addition, police and prosecution efforts to respond to and prevent further violence may be impaired.

It is clear that no one agency has the resources necessary to provide all of the services that families need. A compartmentalized system of intervention causes additional stress and potential further trauma for children and their families. The Children's Advocacy Center of Suffolk County was created by all of the partner agencies to provide a coordinated and effective response to children and families when concerns of abuse and violence arise.