Memphis Child Advocacy Center

Our vision is a community where children are safe, families are strong and victims become children again. Our mission is to serve children who are victims of sexual and other severe abuse through prevention education and intervention. 

When kids are abused, they need help from caring, specialized professionals. The Shelby County Child Protection Investigation Team is headquartered at the Memphis CAC. The team includes 16 agencies, including the CAC. We also work to prevent abuse from happening in the first place. 

1) Report

It takes a caring adult to make that first critical step to protect a child when abuse is suspected. Reports of suspected child sexual abuse or other severe abuse made to the Tennessee Department of Children's Services hotline or law enforcement are handled by the team of agencies headquartered at the Memphis CAC. 

2) Response

As soon as suspected abuse is reported, decisions are made on actions needed. In case of immediate danger, law enforcement or child protective services staff are dispatched quickly to check on the welfare of the child. 

In cases of suspected sexual or other severe abuse, the Shelby County Child Protection Investigation Team goes into action. 

3) Interview

Our forensic interviewers meet with children, at the request of investigators, so kids have a safe, neutral place to share what happened to them. Our interviewers talk with kids at their development level. They use a nationally recognized model of interviewing kids that avoids leading questions.

4) After the Interview

A huge wall of cubbies filled with new, cuddly teddy bears, awaits every child at the Memphis CAC. The child gets to select a bear for their very own. For kids who've been abused, usually by someone they trusted, the gift of a brand new teddy bear affirms their goodness. It provides them a choice they have control over and it gives them comfort. 

5) Therapy

The Memphis CAC offers the best therapy available for kids who have been traumatized by child sexual or other severe abuse. Our compassionate, masters level therapists help children confront and resolve their trauma. Kids learn that the abuse wasn't their fault and they develop healthy coping mechanisms. 

6) Graduation

Graduation is a celebration! Kids who graduate from therapy demonstrate significantly reduced signs of post-traumatic stress. They know they are strong and resilient - and are worthy of protection and love. They have a real chance at a bright future. 

7) Evaluation

We want to be sure we're doing the best work possible for the kids we serve. That includes evaluation of our program outcomes. Analysis by an outside evaluator shows that our therapy significantly reduces post-traumatic stress, behavioral acting out, and emotional stress.