Partner Agencies
Our MDT (Multi-Disciplinary Team)
Turning Point CAC responds to reports of child sexual abuse as part of a multi-disciplinary team of experts. Working as a team, we help children by reducing anxiety and trauma, increasing support, and making referrals for needed services.
Our collaborative approach is based on a nationwide model of child advocacy centers, and we are accredited by the National Children’s Alliance. Together, we believe that a multi-disciplinary approach is the most effective way to protect children and prevent abuse. These are the agencies in our area who work together to help children:
Child Advocacy Center (CAC)
The CAC provides a safe, child-focused place for children to talk about what has happened. We have a trained interviewer who talks with children to lets each child’s voice be heard. A CAC advocate helps families understand what is happening with the investigation or court case. We provide free specialized trauma counseling for the children who are interviewed, and offer referrals for other services the families may need. Our office has two waiting rooms to offer privacy for families, various toys to keep kids engaged and friendly staff members who understand what a visit to our office means to families.
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)
DCFS is the state agency that investigates reports of child abuse and neglect. They have child protection workers who investigate allegations of child abuse. DCFS investigators work with the CAC staff to coordinate forensic interviews, counseling and other services to help children. For more information visit the DCFS website: Illinois Department of Children & Family Services.
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement investigates allegations of child abuse. Officers collect evidence, gather statements, and present that information to the prosecutor's office to help hold offenders accountable. Officers also help enforce protection orders to keep children and families safe. Law enforcement in Knox, Warren and Henderson Counties all work closely with CAC staff to help families through the investigative process.
State’s Attorney’s Office
The State’s Attorney’s Offices in the counties we cover review reports and evidence to determine if a child abuse case can be prosecuted in their respective counties. The State’s Attorney’s Offices provide legal consultation to law enforcement and provide valuable insight during multidisciplinary team meetings. We are fortunate to have Victim Witness Coordinators (VWC) in each of the State’s Attorney’s Offices we work with. The VWC and CAC advocate work closely to provide court prep sessions for families and to ensure all children and families have support at court hearings.
Medical
Medical personnel from the Pediatric Resource Center (PRC) conduct specialized medical exams when they are needed. These exams are conducted by a physician or nurse practitioner who is specially trained in child abuse cases. PRC also attends MDT meetings and can provide valuable insight into any injuries or exam results to the team.
Mental Health
The CAC contracts with counselors from Monarch Trauma Counseling, who specialize in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy. Monarch counselors have their office in the CAC. The CAC provides this counseling for no cost to children referred for an interview and their non-offending caretakers. For more information on Monarch Trauma Counseling and to meet the counselors visit our Therapy Page.