Our Mission
The Talbot County Children's Advocacy Center is committed to comprehensive, multi-disciplinary responses to allegations of child sexual and physical abuse in a child-focused setting.
Talbot County Children's Advocacy Center opened in 2003 when a group of dedicated child abuse providers and volunteers set out to find a more compassionate and effective way to bring services to Talbot County children victimized by sexual abuse.
Prior to 2003, many services necessary for child sexual abuse victims and their families were not available in the Mid-Shore region. The Talbot County Children's Advocacy Center remedied this problem by establishing a multi-disciplinary team approach to the investigative and judicial handling of child maltreatment cases, which included the provision of forensic medical exams, initial mental health needs assessments, family advocacy services, and other supportive services, to all child sexual abuse victims in a child-friendly, central location. The services provided by the CAC were further enhanced in 2006 with the addition of an on-site, licensed mental health professional. If you'd like to learn more about us, download our free brochure.
Services provided by the Talbot County Children's Advocacy Center include:
- Forensic Interviewing - The forensic interview is conducted by a trained interviewer at the CAC. This interview is observed by members of the multi-disciplinary team. The interviews are audio and video recorded. Although the child may be reinterviewed for the purpose of clarification, recording reduces the number of times the child is interviewed.
- Resource Library - Our resource library contains books and periodicals, which are available for review.
- Team Review Meetings - The Talbot County Children's Advocacy Center also promotes a multi-disciplinary approach to abuse investigations and prosecution. Teamwork means individuals from each discipline work together for the best interest of the child. Following the philosophy of promoting a team approach to these cases, the TCCAC schedules "MDT Case Review Meetings". The meetings are designed to bring professionals involved in a child's case together in a neutral environment to discuss case progress and to address the best interests of the child and family.
- Forensic Medical Examination - When there is the concern that a child has been sexually abused a medical exam will be scheduled. The examination is a comprehensive, non-invasive medical examination that is much like a well-child check-up. The exam takes place in a Child-friendly examination room! A child will never be restrained during the exam and it is the child's choice whether the exam is completed. Children may even choose to have a support person in the examination room with them.
- Mental Health Program - Through the program clients receive specialized treatment to move beyond the role of victim and lead a healthy and happy life. The therapist will provide direct assessment, counseling and support services and are specially trained to deal with the intricate problems relating to child victimization.
- Family Advocacy Services - The Family Advocate assists the non-offending parent or caregiver with services needed to maintain a safe and stable environment for their child (ren). Also, the Family Advocate facilitates our Non-Offending Caregivers Support Group.
- Confidentiality - Staff of the Talbot County Children's Advocacy Center signs an Oath of Confidentiality and are permitted to discuss cases only with the professionals.