Helping victims become children again

Our child interviewers are trained to interview kids in a developmentally appropriate way that holds up in court. Our partner agency, the Shelby County Crime Victims and Rape Crisis Center, provides medical assessment and evidence collection if needed.

Investigators from our partner agency, the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS), work to strengthen families and protect kids from abuse and neglect. Many of the DCS staff members who specialize in child sexual or other severe abuse investigations have office space at the Memphis CAC.

We offer therapy shown to reduce the negative long-term effects of trauma. In addition, our advocates help families in many ways including preparing kids for court and connecting families with community resources.

Every law enforcement jurisdiction in Shelby County is part of the county’s Child Protection Investigation Team (CPIT), which is headquartered at the Memphis CAC. Juvenile Court is part of the team, too. The Memphis Police Child Abuse Squad is located at the Memphis CAC. Representatives from other jurisdictions come to the CAC to meet with families and team members.

We not only respond to reported sexual abuse—we work to stop abuse from happening in the first place. Adults who take our Stewards of Children child sexual abuse prevention and response training are prepared to protect the kids in their care. We also help organizations develop strong child safe policy and train their staff.

Prosecutors from the District Attorney’s Special Victims Unit meet daily with representatives from law enforcement, child protective services and the Memphis CAC to make decisions to hold child abuse offenders accountable.