Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Cook County (CAC)

The goal of the Children's Advocacy Center of Southwest Cook County (CAC) is to lesson the trauma a child faces during a sexual abuse investigation. We are dedicated to serving the needs of children, families, and communities affected by the trauma of abuse.

We believe that coordinating the efforts of investigative professionals will increase our ability to help victims and their families. We collaborate with local law enforcement agencies, the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), and the Cook County State's Attorney's Office to streamline the investigative process.

In an effort to minimize the stress a child undergoes in an investigation, we use a technique called the Victim Sensitive Interview (VSI). We interview the victim in a warm, caring environment that is sensitive to the child's needs and developmental level. This collaborative approach minimizes the stress a child undergoes in an investigation, and brings together the expertise of a multi-disciplinary team of professionals.

We serve abused children ages 3-17 from more than 30 southwest suburbs, and provide individual and family counseling, support groups and crisis intervention. In addition, along with the Justice Police Department, we provide services to victims of family violence.

Services Provided: Victim Sensitive Interviews, Family Advocacy, Therapy, Adult Support Groups, Legal Advocacy, Referrals, including Medical Referrals

Cases Accepted for Victim Sensitive Interviews: Any allegation of sexual abuse involving a child ages 3-17. Note: Allegations of physical abuse and homicide witnesses may be accepted on a case by case basis.

To Make a Referral: Referrals are accepted from Police Departments, DCFS, and the State's Attorneys Office.