About Us

Historical Background of Child Advocacy Centers

Before the inception of the National Children's Advocacy Center (NCAC) was established, young victims of abuse were often passed from agency to agency, with cases sometimes ignored or children's testimonies given little credence. After gathering the courage to tell about the abuse, child victims, more often than not, became victims of the system that was supposed to help and protect them. In 1985, Madison County District Attorney, Bud Cramer, also with other concerned citizens & professionals, developed a revolutionary multidisciplinary team approach to the investigation and handling of serious cases of child abuse. The National Children's Advocacy Center has become known as "a place where children come first".

Regional and National Impact

Since its beginning in 1985, the National Children's Advocacy Center has made an impact far beyond its Madison County nucleus in Huntsville, Alabama. The multidisciplinary team concept has expanded to global proportions, with the CAC model being utilized in more than 450 communities across the United States and in a number of foreign countries. Twenty-eight (28)centers are in operations in the State of Alabama.

Local Impact

The Child Advocacy Center of East Alabama, Inc. (CAC) was established in 1991 and began its operation as a 501(c)3 non-profit agency in 1993. During that time, the CAC serviced Lee, Macon, Chambers, Randolph, and Tallapoosa Counties. In the late 1990's, Rep. Bill Fuller, a native of Chambers County, paved the way for Chambers County to have its own CAC. The satellite center concept that was envisioned by the Child Advocacy Center of East Alabama was further developed in Chambers County, with that center becoming what is now the Tri-County Children's Advocacy Center. Today, Tri-County CAC serves Chambers, Randolph, and Tallapoosa Counties.'

The Child Advocacy Center of East Alabama, Inc. continues to serve Lee and Macon Counties. Services provided are unique to the Child Advocacy mission and range from public awareness campaigns and evidence-based educational programs to forensic interviews, counseling and victim/family advocacy. Representatives of five (5) core agencies serve as members of the CAC multidisciplinary team including: Child Protective Services, Prosecution, Law Enforcement, Medical & Mental Health.

The CAC is a full-service member of the National Children's Alliance (NCA), and operates under the standards set forth by NCA. It is also an active member of the Alabama Network of Children's Advocacy Center (ANCAC), an organization whose members are involved in a collaborative effort to promote the CAC model across the state of Alabama.