Cooper-Anthony Mercy Child Advocacy Center

About

The Cooper-Anthony Mercy Child Advocacy Centers mission is to utilize a multidisciplinary team approach to providing a safe, child-friendly and caring place where children are assessed when allegations of child abuse arise. The CAMCAC offers a safe, child-friendly environment, where a comprehensive and coordinated approach is taken in response to allegations of child abuse. The CAMCAC is one of 17 advocacy centers in the state of Arkansas and has the unique distinction of being the only hospital-based child advocacy center in the state. The CAMCAC serves approximately 700 clients annually and has additional offices located in both Benton and Mena. In 2012, the CAMCAC was awarded the highest level of membership with National Children€™s Alliance, which is the accrediting agency for Children€™s Advocacy Centers. The CAMCAC provides essential services to Arkansas€™ youngest victims of abuse ranging from birth to 18 years of age. These services include forensic interviews, child advocacy, medical exams, and mental health therapy. The CAMCAC also provides education and training regarding child abuse in the communities we serve, including a child abuse prevention and body safety program for children. The CAMCAC utilizes a multidisciplinary team approach to reduce trauma placed on children during child abuse investigations, while offering a neutral child-friendly environment. The CAMCAC’s services are individualized to meet the needs of each specific child and family while still meeting the needs of the multidisciplinary team. We collaborate with agencies in 11 counties including representatives from the Arkansas State Police (Crimes Against Children Division), local law enforcement, Prosecuting Attorney€™s office, Division of Children and Family Services, mental health, medical personnel, and other local and/or state agencies. Strong coordination and communication between these disciplines make case investigation less traumatizing for child victims and their families.