Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Children's Advocacy Center?
A Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) is a child-focused, facility-based program in which representatives from many disciplines-law enforcement, child protection, prosecution, mental health, medical and victim advocacy-work together, conducting child interviews and making joint decisions about the investigation, treatment, management and prosecution of child abuse cases. A core belief in children's advocacy centers is that the combined wisdom and professional knowledge of professionals of different disciplines will result in a more complete understanding of case issues and the most effective, child- and family-focused system response. The CAC model is considered the best practice model for the investigative and treatment services of abused and neglected children. 

Can I report child abuse to the Child Advocacy Center of Warren County?
No. Reports of child abuse cannot be made directly to the Child Advocacy Center of Warren County. All reports of abuse or neglect need to be made to either the public children services agency or law enforcement. However, we do encourage you to call the Child Advocacy Center of Warren County if you would like to consult or receive guidance on a particular situation.

Who do I call if I suspect that a child is being abused?
In non-emergency situations, call your local public children services agency to make a report about the abuse. Warren County Children Services can be contacted at (513) 695-1546. If you do not know which agency to call, you may contact the Child Advocacy Center of Warren County at (513) 695-3100 for that information. Please call 911 for all emergency situations.

Is child abuse that big of a problem?
Over 1,000,000 children are abused each year in the United States. 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually assaulted before the age of 18. Homicide is the leading cause of injury related deaths in children younger than 4 years of age. The cost to society directly and indirectly is over 94 billion dollars.

Do children reside at the Child Advocacy Center of Warren County?
No. Children come to the center to receive services, but do not stay here overnight.

Does the Child Advocacy Center of Warren County charge a fee?
Our services are provided to every child/family member regardless of their ability to pay.   Additionally, families may qualify for the Victim's Compensation Program through the state of Ohio.