Leadership, Education and Collaboration:

Established in 1995, the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Illinois (CACI) is an accredited chapter of the National Children’s Alliance (NCA). CACI is the network that coordinates and provides a comprehensive response to child abuse in Illinois. As the leading resource on child abuse issues, CACI stays abreast of the latest research in child abuse, as well as the most child-friendly approaches in investigation and treatment of child abuse. Our mission is to begin the healing process for abused children by supporting the Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs) throughout Illinois in partnership with local communities and agencies investigating and prosecuting child abuse.

MISSION: To support and sustain Illinois' Children Advocacy Centers through leadership in Resource Development, Education and, Collaboration.

VISION: The need of children and families are paramount in the public health response to child abuse and Illinois CACs and MDTs are valued and essential partners in that effort.

WHAT DOES A CAC DO?

At CACI, we believe children begin to heal the moment they are heard. In Illinois, when there is an allegation of child sexual abuse or severe physical abuse, children are referred to a local CAC. There, an interview is conducted in a child-friendly environment by a trained professional who knows the right questions to ask in a way that does not re-traumatize the child. Members of the multidisciplinary team (medical and mental professionals, law enforcement, prosecution, child protective services and more) observe. Following the interview, the child, as well as family members, receive advocacy, medical and mental health referrals to help with the healing process.

VOCA

The Children’s Advocacy Centers of Illinois (CACI) is the Lead Entity charged by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) with the administration of VOCA funds for Children’s Advocacy Centers (CAC) victims’ services in Illinois. The partnership with ICJIA is relatively new for CACI, although some of the CACs have had grants issued by ICJIA in prior years.

CACI has issued this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) in order to distribute grant funds for State Fiscal Year 2021. These funds are to be used to provide services to child victims and non-offending caregivers throughout Illinois. Through grants to CACs, CACI seeks to ensure that all victims of child sexual and physical abuse throughout the state have full access of quality CAC services not only deemed necessary for accreditation but also for community-based needs.

CACI does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, and subcontractors.