Childhood is a special time; years filled with laughter, good memories of childhood games and the fun of growing up in a loving, supportive family. Although most of us have good childhood memories, far too many of our children are growing up afraid and confused.
In 2005, South Carolina reported more than 10,000 substantiated cases of child abuse, with Greenville County ranking first in the state with 1,019 cases. In more than 80% of child abuse cases, the crime was committed by someone the child loves and trusts.
When a child discloses abuse, he or she is often marched through some big, scary places like hospitals, police departments and court rooms. In each place they are asked to tell their story again and again.
The mission of the Children's Advocacy Center is to reduce the trauma to children during the investigation, treatment and prosecution of child abuse cases. We offer a child-friendly environment in which children can tell their story one time. Our staff is available to the child and his or her family throughout each phase of the investigation, legal process and recovery.
We fulfill this mission through the following programs:
- Comprehensive Medical Exams: Dr. Nancy Henderson and Dr. MaryFran Crosswell, both pediatricians with the Greenville Hospital System, conduct medical exams in our facility for the purpose of evaluating child maltreatment. They are assisted by Laurel Wanner, a child life specialist, who provides support and information to the child and his or her family.
- Forensic Interviews: The Greenville Mental Health Center provides masters level mental health professionals who conduct forensic interviews with a child after allegations of child abuse. These interviews are conducted in a non-leading age-appropriate manner.
- Interviews: Child-friendly space for law enforcement and DSS interviews.
- Family Support: A GRCCAC family advocate is available to support and assist the non-offending caregivers through the legal and healing process. We provide phone support, information and referral services, and a non-offending caregivers support group.
- Therapy: Once a child abuse case has been investigated, a GRCCAC therapist can help in the recovery process by scheduling the child for therapy sessions. Using a variety of therapeutic techniques such as play therapy, the therapist assists the child identifying and exploring their feelings and provides the child with coping skills that empower them to move beyond the abuse toward a more normal life.
- Victim Support Groups: A variety of support groups are available to children beginning at age six (6). These groups, which are facilitated by specially-trained professionals, include:
- PIER: A support group for children ages 6-11.
- Adolescent Girls’ Group: A support group for girls ages 12-17
- To contact the Children's Advocacy Center directly, call (864) 335-5288.
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CAC Medical Examination Room |
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CAC Forensic Interview Room |
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