Children's Advocacy Centers of Virginia

Registration is now open for the 17th Annual Justice in Action: Virginia’s Conference on Child Abuse & Exploitation.

This statewide conference brings together professionals committed to strengthening the response to child abuse through education, collaboration, and evidence-based practices.

Designed for child advocacy professionals, multidisciplinary team members, law enforcement, child protective services, medical providers, mental health professionals, prosecutors, and others working to protect children, Justice in Action creates space to learn, connect, and continue building stronger systems of support.

Together, we are strengthening systems, protecting children, and restoring hope.

Learn more and register: https://cvent.me/wlBoeo

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Applications are open for our ChildFirst® Training in Christiansburg, Virginia, September 14th–18th.

ChildFirst® is a nationally recognized, five-day intensive course designed to prepare professionals with the skills needed to conduct trauma-informed forensic interviews with children who may have experienced abuse.

This interactive training combines lectures, demonstrations, practical exercises, and real-world application. Participants strengthen their skills through coursework, a written examination, and a 30-minute practice interview with a professional actor, followed by feedback from experienced forensic interviewers and peers.

Spots are limited. Applications are due July 3.

Learn more and apply at the link in our bio.

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Strong partnerships create stronger support for children.

Recently, we had the opportunity to meet with approximately 30 state troopers in Richmond to share more about the Child Advocacy Center model and how CACs partner with law enforcement throughout the investigative process.

During our time together, we talked about the importance of a child-centered response and shared information about minimal facts interviews, a brief conversation used by first responders to gather only the essential information needed to assess safety and determine next steps.

When there are concerns of child abuse, how we ask questions matters. Specialized, developmentally appropriate approaches help protect children from having to share their experiences repeatedly while ensuring the right supports and services are put in place.

We are grateful for the law enforcement partners who continue learning, collaborating, and working alongside CACs to better serve children and families across Virginia.

This is what teamwork looks like.

Last week marked an important step forward for Child Advocacy Centers across Virginia.

Rebecca Simmons, Executive Director of Children’s Advocacy Centers of Virginia, presented before the Virginia Commission on Youth as members voted to move forward with a formal study examining the role, impact, and funding needs of CACs throughout the Commonwealth.

The Commission on Youth, made up of members of the General Assembly and citizens appointed by the Governor, will spend the summer exploring how CACs support children and families, why these services are critical, and what sustainable funding streams are needed to ensure long-term stability and access to care.

For the children and families served every day through Virginia’s CAC network, this study represents more than policy discussion. It reflects growing recognition of the life-changing importance of trauma-informed advocacy, forensic interviewing, mental health services, and coordinated support following abuse.

The study will continue throughout the summer, with final recommendations expected in September or October.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, we recognize that healing looks different for every child, and sometimes it starts with a handful of sand.

At a Child Advocacy Center, healing does not always start with words. For many children, especially those who have experienced trauma, talking about what happened can feel overwhelming or even impossible. That’s where sand tray therapy comes in.

Using miniature figures, objects, and sand, children can express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a way that feels safe and manageable.

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Behind every CAC is a network of mental health professionals doing deeply impactful work. Therapists, counselors, and advocates are helping children process trauma, build resilience, and reclaim their sense of safety.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, we recognize the people who walk alongside children on their path to healing. Morgan, Megan, and Becki are supporting survivors at Southern Virginia Child Advocacy Center in Franklin County, Pittsylvania County, Patrick County, Henry County and Martinsville.

We are also super proud of the work CT brings to Foothills Children's Advocacy Center and to ChildFirst trainings.

Behind every statistic is a child who deserves to be heard, supported, and believed.

Across Virginia, Child Advocacy Centers provide critical mental health services that help children process trauma and begin to heal. This work is steady, intentional, and rooted in relationships that prioritize each child’s well-being.

During Mental Health Month, we’re highlighting the impact of coordinated care and the importance of ensuring every child has access to the support they need, no matter where they live.

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If you know someone who would be the perfect fit, please share!

Valley Children’s Advocacy Center is hiring an Executive Director, and we’re looking for a compassionate, mission-driven, strategic leader to help advance our work supporting children and families across our community.

At Valley CAC, we partner with law enforcement, medical professionals, mental health providers, and community organizations to ensure children impacted by abuse receive coordinated, child-focused services in a safe and supportive environment. This role will guide the vision and growth of the organization while supporting a dedicated team and expanding our impact across 2400 square miles in the Shenandoah Valley.

If you or someone in your network is passionate about nonprofit leadership, child advocacy, and building impact through collaboration, we invite you to review the full position profile and share this opportunity.

Learn more and apply here: https://dragonflycentral.org/valley-childrens-advocacy-center-executive-director/