CHILDREN'S HOME
CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER

Child and Family Advocacy

While children are traumatized by sexual abuse or by witnessing extreme violence, their families are also deeply impacted. Children need support from their families to heal. At CAC, we offer families the resources and support they need to overcome the trauma of abuse, stabilize their lives, learn coping skills and build healthy relationships.

Our Child and Family Advocates are committed to helping families navigate the healing process that can sometimes be confusing and overwhelming. We provide support by answering any questions, helping families understand their legal rights, guiding them through the court process, and connecting them to any necessary resources, such as referrals to mental health providers, case managers, community navigators and more. 

It is important for families to remember that they are not alone. We are here to help children and families find justice and healing from traumatic experiences. 

If a Child Discloses Abuse

If a child discloses abuse to you, the most important things you can say are: 

•  I believe you. 
•  This isn't your fault.
•  We are going to get help.

Do:

• DO listen to and believe the child.
• DO write down the exact words the child used.
• DO thank the child for having the courage to tell you.
• DO protect the child by not discussing the allegation with others.
• DO report the abuse.

Don't:

• Do NOT use shocked or disbelieving words or actions.
• Do NOT express doubt, even if you are skeptical.
• Do NOT suggest that the child might have been abused.
• Do NOT make a conclusion about the validity of the allegation.
• Do NOT ask the child ANY questions.

Follow these steps to ensure you have appropriately reported any allegations:

•  If the child is in danger, call 911.
•  As a parent, understand your child's real and emotional need for your support. Statistics suggest a child's resiliency is directly related to parental support. 
•  As an educator or medical professional, understand and follow your school or clinic's policy for filing a report. Always follow up to ensure a report was made! 
•  Contact your local Child Protection Services. 
  •  In South Dakota, call 1-877-244-0864. Intake Specialists are available Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm.
  •  If you are not in South Dakota, find your state's child abuse reporting phone number here. 
•  If reporting an emergency situation before 8am, after 5pm, on the weekends, or during a holiday, please contact your local law enforcement. 
•  If appropriate, Child Protection Services or Law Enforcement will contact a Child Advocacy Center near you to schedule an interview.