Children’s Advocacy Center of Centre County

Our mission is to meet the needs of the children and families in our community by providing a community-based, child-focused center that facilitates a compassionate, multi-disciplinary approach to the prevention, identification, intervention and treatment of child abuse.

What is the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC)?

Did you know that one in 10 children in our community will experience child abuse before they turn 18? Research and experience show that, without intervention, they may suffer lifelong physical, psychological, social and economic consequences.

The CAC is a comfortable and supportive place where children can share their experiences with a specially trained interviewer and are offered a medical exam. Referrals come from child protective services or law enforcement when there are concerns about a child being a victim or witness to abuse or a crime.

At the CAC, children have the chance to talk in a safe, child-friendly environment that is neutral and unbiased. We offer comfort, care and understanding, while also aiding children to feel heard and supported every step of the way.

Providing healing and hope

The CAC of Centre County is a vital first step in a child’s journey toward healing and hope. In our welcoming space, children and their caregivers work with a compassionate and skilled team of coordinated professionals.

Since opening in 2014, the CAC has been a trusted resource for families across at least four counties and is one of 40 accredited Children’s Advocacy Centers in Pennsylvania. Over the years, we’ve supported more than 3,500 children and their families by providing forensic interviews, specialized medical exams and ongoing care — all free of charge to them. And all interviews are recorded in an attempt to prevent children from being retraumatized by having to tell their story repeatedly.

We’re also committed to empowering our community by training over hundreds of multidisciplinary investigative team members on the CAC process and in minimal facts interviewing of children who may have experienced or witnessed abuse or a crime. Additionally, we’ve hosted multi-county training sessions to help professionals recognize and respond to cases of commercial sexual exploitation of children.

Through strong partnerships with law enforcement, Child Protective Services, prosecutors, healthcare providers, mental health professionals and community advocates, the CAC ensures children receive trauma-informed, coordinated care. We’re proud to be a unique facility in the region with two pediatricians specializing in child abuse forensics onsite, offering expert medical evaluations and support. The CAC ensures dedicated advocacy for the child and their caregivers for the life of their case.

Frequently asked questions

Answers to common questions about the Children’s Advocacy Center.

I’m concerned about a child in my community. Who can I turn to?

If you believe a child is being abused, neglected or has witnessed a crime, contact ChildLine (1.800.932.0313) or your local Children & Youth Services department.

ChildLine is available 24/7 and callers may remain anonymous. If the child is in immediate danger, call your local police or 911.

For Centre County, contact Children & Youth Services at 814.355.6755.

What happens during the medical exam?

Children are offered a trauma-informed, head‑to‑toe forensic medical exam by a specially trained pediatrician. Caregivers may stay with the child during the exam if the child wants them to.

What happens during an appointment?

Children meet with a trained forensic interviewer who uses child‑focused, developmentally sensitive, trauma‑informed and asks legally sound questions. The interview is for fact‑finding only, not counseling or psychological evaluation.

A multidisciplinary investigative team — such as law enforcement, child protective services and prosecutors — observes the interview to prevent repeated interviews. While the child is interviewed, caregivers meet privately in a separate space with a victim/family advocate to discuss concerns, questions and next steps.

How should I respond if a child discloses abuse?

Stay calm, listen to them, believe them, thank them for talking to you and ask for help.

Why might a child be referred to the CAC?

Referrals come from Children & Youth Services or law enforcement when there is concern a child has been a victim or witness of abuse or a crime. The CAC provides a safe, child‑friendly place for them to share their experience(s).

How should I prepare a child for their appointment?

Tell them they will talk with someone who speaks with many children and people and that they can share anything they want to as long as it is true. Reassure them the CAC is a safe place. Ensure they are well rested and have eaten. Avoid telling them what to say, questioning them about the allegations or offering rewards.

What should we bring to the appointment?

The CAC provides neutral and age appropriate activities, but you may bring a comfort item, activity or snack for your child.

What should we expect when we arrive?

The CAC is secure center; ring the doorbell to be given access. Staff will greet you, review any new concerns you have and provide you a brief tour. Extra visitors are discouraged to protect privacy and reduce stress.

What happens while a child is being interviewed?

You will meet separately in the waiting room with a victim/family advocate who offers support, answers questions, concerns and reviews next steps.

Who can I contact if I have questions after the visit?

Caregivers are encouraged to contact the CAC anytime with questions or concerns. If the CAC cannot assist directly, they will connect you with the appropriate resource(s).

How can I help the CAC?

All services are offered to children and their families at no charge. The CAC is dependent on community philanthropy and other funding sources to continue to offer these invaluable services to children and families in our community.

Consider a donation to the CAC by contacting Mount Nittany Health Foundation at 814.234.6777 or conveniently donate online.

Please feel free to mail a donation. Make checks payable to Mount Nittany Health Foundation:

Mount Nittany Health Foundation
155 Wellness Way
State College, PA 16803

Please note “Children’s Advocacy Center” in the memo line of the check.