ABOUT
Restoring Lives,
Together.
The West Virginia Child Advocacy Network is the statewide leader in the fight against child abuse. We provide support to passionate professionals through 21 child advocacy centers to ensure that the children of West Virginia have access to high-quality, evidence-based treatment services that put their wellbeing at the heart of abuse investigations.
What Is a Child Advocacy Center?
Before CACs, child survivors of abuse were moved from agency to agency and endured multiple interviews, potentially causing further trauma. A child advocacy center (CAC) turns this model upside down by providing a single safe, child-friendly facility where child protection, criminal justice, and child treatment professionals work together to investigate abuse, hold offenders accountable, and help children heal. Once a referral is made through Child Protective Services and/or law enforcement, the CAC warmly welcomes the child and family to begin their path to healing.
Results That Matter
With 21 CACs across the state, our organization was able to help over 4,800 children in 2022-2023. According to the CDC, the associated lifetime costs of each child experiencing non-fatal child maltreatment is $210,012. This estimate includes that child’s associated lifetime costs for healthcare, productivity losses, child welfare, criminal justice, and special education.
Our Team Sets Us Apart
Our staff of experienced professionals is dedicated to serving the needs of children through the CAC model, including collaboration, funding, evaluation and assessment, training and technical assistance, and more. We are equally supported by our Board of Directors — a team of volunteers who are committed to our mission and bring a variety of vital professional expertise and experience to the organization.
Join Us in Our Mission!
We are always looking for passionate individuals who feel strongly about ending the cycle of abuse and helping child survivors of abuse begin their path of healing. Join us in our mission of creating a safer state for our children.