Our Services
Who is seen at the Child Advocacy Center?
The Child Advocacy Center is available for interviewing, counseling, and medical evaluations of children under the age of 18 residing in St. Clair, Randolph and Monroe counties, who are alleged to have been victims of:
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Sexual abuse
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Serious physical abuse
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Violent crime (including being a witness to domestic violence, homicide, robbery, etc.)
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Kidnapping or attempted kidnapping
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Trafficking
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Exposure to possession, use and manufacturing of illegal drugs
We also accept cases from developmentally delayed adults.
What services do you provide?
Child-friendly forensic interviews
Medical evaluations
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Trauma-focused counseling
Case coordination
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Referrals to community resources and services
Community education
What hours are you available to help?
The Child Advocacy Center’s normal hours of operations are Monday-Friday (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).
If I want my child to be seen at the Child Advocacy Center, what is the referral process?
DCFC Rule 300 requires everyone to report suspected abuse and neglect to the proper law enforcement agency or the Department of Health and Human Services hotline (1-800-652-1999). The first step is making the report. Once the report is made and accepted for investigation, law enforcement or the Department of Health and Human Services will arrange for a forensic interview or medical evaluation at the Child Advocacy Center.
Sometimes it’s hard to figure out what to do. If you’re not sure and need to talk to one of our staff members, please feel free to call the Child Advocacy Center during normal working hours.
How do I report suspected abuse?
First, contact your local police department or sheriff’s office. Find your closest law enforcement agency here.
Then, call the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) hotline: 1-800-25-ABUSE (22873).
What should I do if my child tells me they are being/were (sexually) abused?
If your child makes a disclosure, stay calm.
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Listen to your child without asking questions.
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Don't make the child repeat the disclosure to other family members or the alleged perpetrator.
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Don't confront the alleged perpetrator.
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Make sure the child is safe.
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Report the abuse by contacting your local law enforcement and the DCFS hotline.
If the incident occurred within last 72 hours and/or if there are any injuries, take your child to the emergency room. Do not bathe your child or change their clothing.