ABOUT US

     Our primary purpose at the Child Advocacy Center, or CAC for short, is to help victims of sexual abuse, regardless of age, and child victims of egregious physical abuse. We help reduce the stress and trauma a survivor and their family may be feeling, and assist them in getting whatever supports and services they need as they heal. The CAC is available to provide support from disclosure to disposition, and beyond. 

​

     The CAC is co-located with the SIU (Special Investigations Unit) for Bennington County. The two detectives that work in our office conduct all sexual abuse case investigations. If the case involves a child, then the SIU works with DCF investigators (Department of Children and Families).

     Our SIU and DCF investigators are trained to conduct interviews in a trauma-informed way. They work together to limit the number of times a child has to be interviewed. 

​

​

Our Mission and Vision

​

Mission

​

      The Bennington County Child Advocacy Center and Special Investigations Unit (BCCAC/SIU) is a multidisciplinary team (MDT) that ensures children and families involved in sexual abuse or allegations resulting in serious physical injury cases receive child-friendly services from law enforcement, prosecution, and protective services. As well as the child receiving timely and effective counseling. These cases require special expertise in the area of investigation and services to victims to enhance protection and to facilitate court proceedings.

​

     The BCCAC/SIU proactively investigates these cases and emphasizes prevention through education and training. The operations of the BCCAC/SIU promote cooperative efforts between municipalities, police, prosecutor's office, the medical community, mental health, child protective services, schools, and other advocacy groups.

Vision

     The Bennington County Child Advocacy Center and Special Investigations Unit is dedicated to being a leading advocacy and learning center in the state of Vermont. 

We protect the rights of victims, meet the needs of the families, and encourage community supports. 

We promote educational activities for our youth that strive to reduce the probability of them becoming victims of abuse or victimizers. 

We provide the highest quality staff development to all Multidisciplinary Team Members, both locally and state-wide, that is current, improves the quality of forensic investigations, and builds professionalism in public service. 

We monitor the legal framework at the state and federal level to ensure that the laws protecting our children, vulnerable adults, and adult victims of abuse are adhered to and reflect best practice. 

​