About the Child Advocacy Center
When a child has been abused or neglected, families need more than medical care — they need a place that feels safe, a team that listens and a clear path forward. The Child Advocacy Center (CAC) of the Central Susquehanna Valley, a division of Geisinger Janet Weis Children's Hospital, brings everything your family needs together in one place.
CAC is the only center of its kind within a 50-mile radius, serving families from several central Pennsylvania counties. If your child needs support, healthcare providers or public service professionals can refer you to CAC.
When your child is here, we make sure they don't have to repeat their story. Our team coordinates forensic interviews, medical exams, counseling and advocacy services so your family can focus on healing.
Services we offer
FAQs
What is a child advocacy center?
Who will meet with my child?
Your child will have an entire group in their corner, advocating for them and providing the care and support they need in an environment that protects their privacy. Their safety and advocacy team includes:
- Forensic interviewer: Your child will talk with a specially trained child forensic interviewer who’ll gather information about their experience. They’re trained to talk with children in a developmentally and culturally sensitive, unbiased, fact-finding and legally sound manner. We do forensic interviews in collaboration with law enforcement and Child Protective Services.
- Victim advocate: The victim advocate will support you and your child throughout the investigation.
- Medical specialist: Your child's medical specialist will care for their overall health and well-being, focusing on aspects of physical and sexual abuse and neglect.
- Licensed behavioral health provider: This professional will determine if your child needs behavioral health intervention and treatment to put them on the path to healing.
Child safety and advocacy at Geisinger
With techniques tailored to your child, we’ll make them feel comforted and protected while building trust and boosting their resiliency. This reduces re-victimization and makes it more likely that offenders will be prosecuted. We offer:
- Child-focused care: Here, you'll find a child-friendly environment that supports peace, trust and hope.
- Resources in a single location: This is a safe space for children, with convenient access to multiple services all in one place. Your child only has to tell their story once, so they can begin counseling or other interventions right away.
- Family support: We advocate for children and their families, and we’ll guide you at every step — from programs to community support and resources
- A path forward: Your child will have the support they need to express their feelings and recover from abuse.
