Johnson County Children's Advocacy Center

For over 25 years, the Children's Advocacy Center of Johnson County has helped child victims of severe physical abuse, sexual abuse, and child witnesses to violent crimes move from a role of victim to one of courageous survivor. Our agency is the sole nonprofit in Johnson County that serves children entering the justice system because of felony child abuse. Child protection is at the heart of everything we do, which guides our Multi-Disciplinary Team approach. Our staff works alongside Law Enforcement, DFPS workers, prosecution and medical professionals to identify abuse and exploitation, answer the call to help, and provide trauma informed services. Children receive Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and other research-based therapeutic practices to help children 1) deal with the aftermath of abuse and 2) shape the child's life for more healthy development post trauma. Victims, children at-risk and non-perpetrating family members receive these services for as long as needed at no cost to the family.

Of the children who enter the center for the first time, over 70% are seen for sexual abuse, and 30% for physical abuse or other violent trauma. Twenty percent were not old enough to attend kindergarten, and 33% of children and teens are experiencing some type of suicidal ideation. We want to ensure these kids are supported through this difficult process. The Center provides a child-friendly, safe environment for children and families, and our beloved K-9 Advocates (therapy dogs) provide a warm welcome to each child who arrives at our doors.

The children who pass through our doors may enter as victims, but they depart as survivors. They leave understanding that their abuse has not defined their future, but has become a part of their incredible story as they move forward and learn to not only find their voice, but to be a voice for others still waiting to be found. Our goal is to ensure that every child who has suffered abuse understands that they have incredible worth and value.

We can begin to initiate real change across our community with prevention education. The Children’s Advocacy Center is committed to working with local school districts to provide parent education and a true prevention curriculum where kids spend a minimum of two class periods with our CAC Educational Liaisons teaching important information to them about recognizing abuse, asking for help and reporting situations they or a classmate may be experiencing. We have had tremendous success working through our districts. 

Our Needs

We rely on the generosity of our community to help us provide services for child victims and to assist us in supporting the costs of our prevention efforts. We provide all services at no cost to the children and families we serve, and we do not charge for our prevention education offered through our local school districts. We want to provide healing services for children who have been victimized and ensure that as many kids as possible never have their childhood harshly interrupted by abuse! 

The impact of your gift today has no end! Thank you for investing in a child’s life and showing them that their life can still be full of dreams and wonderful possibilities!