Northern Plains Children's Advocacy Center

Not every role in this work is public-facing, but every voice matters. Today’s spotlight comes from an anonymous Forensic Interviewer at Northern Plains Children’s Advocacy Center.

To them, prevention starts with creating safe, stable, nurturing environments and remembering that everyone plays a role in protecting children. They shared that small acts of support can make a lasting difference, and every child deserves to know their rights and be believed.

One moment that has stayed with them was a child apologizing after a difficult interview—a heartbreaking reminder of what some children carry long before they walk through our doors. 💙

When a family comes through our doors, they are never alone. A Family Advocate walks alongside you and your child before, during, and after the forensic interview—offering support, answering questions, and helping ease the process. They also connect families to services and serve as a link between you, law enforcement, and social services to keep communication clear and coordinated. Most importantly, they’re here to support healing and make sure no family has to navigate this journey alone.

Behind every child served at Northern Plains Children’s Advocacy Center is a team working together to protect, support, and advocate for them. 👐🩵

From law enforcement and social services to medical professionals, victim advocates, and tribal agencies, our partnering organizations help ensure children and families receive compassionate, coordinated care during difficult times. We are incredibly grateful for the agencies and professionals who stand alongside us in our mission to reduce trauma and help children begin healing. Together, we can make a difference.

On October 2, 2026, Oak Park Amphitheater will become a place of solemn testimony as 565 child abuse victims are publicly acknowledged—one by one.

Each child is identified only as “Jane Doe” or “John Doe,” along with their age, a powerful reminder of the children who suffered abuse in the past year across the region served by Northern Plains Children Advocacy Center. 📣 This annual Save Jane event is a call to the community: to confront the scale of abuse, to advocate for prevention, and to support the work of protecting vulnerable children.

The public is encouraged to attend, listen, and stand in solidarity with these children, and with the professionals working every day to end the cycle of abuse. 📱Save, share, or send this post to a friend for a reminder!

⛓️‍💥 Learn more: https://www.northernplainscac.org/save-jane/

Last year, we had the privilege of helping hundreds of children and families in our community through advocacy, forensic interviews, and ongoing support services. Every number represents a child who was heard, a family who was supported, and a step toward healing. This work is only possible because of our supporters, partners, and community. Thank you for standing with us and helping make this impact possible.💞 We’re continuing that work into this year with the same commitment to providing safety, support, and hope to those who need it most. 💛

Connie Wilson, our Director of Finance and Operations, plays a vital role behind the scenes in keeping everything running smoothly at NPCAC.💛 As she puts it, “Prevention is so critical because it focuses on stopping abuse and neglect before they ever occur.” To Connie, prevention looks like a community coming together to create environments where children are safe and supported every day.

She also shares an important reminder for adults. Preventing abuse means creating conditions where it’s less likely to happen in the first place.

In her office, you’ll find a simple message everywhere: Be Kind. It’s something she truly lives by. Connie often says she would love to be put out of business one day… because it would mean children are no longer being harmed. It starts with all of us.

As the school year wraps up across the area, summer is right around the corner. 🖍️☀️ With changing routines, more free time, and kids spending more time at home or out with friends, it’s a good time to think about safety. Talk with your kids about boundaries, safe adults, and what to do if something doesn’t feel right. Keep communication open, check in often, and stay involved in who they’re with and where they’re going.

A little preparation now can help make summer a safe and positive time for everyone!

What happens after a report is made? Taking that step can feel overwhelming, but it’s an important way to help protect a child. Once a report is made, professionals work together to assess the situation and determine next steps. This may include an investigation, connecting the child and family with support services, and ensuring the child’s safety moving forward. At our center, children are met with a team focused on care, comfort, and healing every step of the way.

You don’t have to have all the answers to make a difference. Reporting concerns can help a child get the support they need.🗣️💕

There are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to child abuse, and those myths can make it harder for children to get help. The more we understand, the better we can protect and support children. Awareness matters, and it starts with all of us.

What would you do? 💭 If a child told you something didn’t feel right… If you noticed a sudden change in behavior… If something just felt off… Would you know what to do? You don’t need to have all the answers. Listening, believing, and taking that next step can make a life-changing difference.