Chicago Childrens Advocacy Center

Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center and our partners are the front-line responders in Chicago to reports of child sexual abuse. We also respond to physical abuse, witness to violence, and other cases of serious maltreatment. Since opening our doors in 2001, we have served more than 45,000 children.

ChicagoCAC is the city’s only nonprofit organization that coordinates the efforts of child protection staff, law enforcement professionals, family advocates, medical experts, and mental health clinicians under one roof. Our collaborative treatment model helps children and families heal from abuse in a comprehensive, seamless way. All of our services are offered free of charge to the public. 

ChicagoCAC's work can be organized into three distinct service lines: 

Advocacy and Investigations: We receive initial reports of child sexual abuse from the Department of Children and Family Services and Chicago Police department, conducting forensic interviews of children, coordinating the multi-disciplinary team of our partners as they investigate, and offering families support with basic needs. 

Clinical Services (Mental Health): After their case is reviewed, we provide mental health services and resources to children and families, whether onsite in our Family Hope Center or in their communities through partner agencies through our PATTH Collaboration.

Education, Prevention and Policy: Our team facilitates trainings and collaborative partnerships to prevent and respond to sexual abuse in Chicago and elsewhere, and through our policy work, advocates on behalf of children and survivors in Illinois and beyond. Through our education and professional development offerings, ChicagoCAC reaches thousands of child-serving professionals and community members annually.