New Director Training

Introductions

Topics for Today

• History of CAC Movement
• Role of the CAC Director
• NCA Standards for Accreditation
• Resources Available
• Resiliency

The CAC Model

1980's

• Finkelhor Study (19%/8.6%)
• Something about Amelia
• Multidisciplinary Approach
• First CAC in Huntsville
• Network of CACs Founded
• WA Study of CACs

1990's

• Victims of Child Abuse Act established
• National Network of CACs becomes National Children's Alliance
• Four Regional CACs established
• First Membership Standards established
• Growth of CACs in WA (8)

2000's

• Shift from Membership Standards to Accreditation
• Chapters forming
• WA State Protocols
• More states recognize the CAC model in statute
• State Funding for WA CACs
• NCA funding flows through Chapters

2010's

• State Protocols Updated
• All state Chapters are accredited
• National Accreditation standards updated
• More centers incorporating other types of abuse
• Over 830 member centers/over 700 accredited
• Model adopted internationally

Role of the CAC director

How Many Hats do you Wear?

• Depends on agency structure
• Executive Director
• Team Facilitator
• Fundraiser
• Community Voice
• Advocate
• Feather un-ruffler

Lots of responsibility

CAC's - Not your typical organization

• Responsible for success but limited authority
• Liability and publicity may result from partner agency actions
• May have co-location with partners

Challenges with board/partners

• Understanding of how CACs work
• Understanding Accreditation Standards
• If team members on board - often can't raise money
• Government-based programs have difficulty raising funds (Friends Groups)
• If under an umbrella, have to find balance.

Strengths

• Broad community support
• National accreditation standards
• Signed Protocols

Keys to success

• Clear strategic plan including funding strategies
• Strong leadership to interact with partner leadership
• Clear understanding and agreement of the scope of your influence and responsibilities
• Trauma-informed approach

NCA Accreditation standards

10 Standards

• Evolving
• Evidence-based
• Standard professional practice

Multidisciplinary Team

• Written agreement/protocol
• Appropriate partners routinely involved in investigation
• Written policy re: Information sharing
• Partner feedback
• Ongoing training

Cultural Competency

• Cultural competency plan
• Provision of interpreters
• Culturally appropriate service delivery
• Community outreach
• Board/staff/volunteers reflect community

Forensic Interviews

• Specialized training/ongoing training
• Written process
• Legally sound
• Appropriate investigative partners view interview
• Conducted at CAC
• Selection of interviewer
• CAC/MDT coordinates

Victim Advocacy

• Crisis intervention and on-going support
• Relevant education for children and families
• Victim made aware of rights and resources
• Designated individuals

Medical Evaluation

• Provided by experienced/trained practitioner
• Offered to all children, regardless of ability to pay
• Written plan: criteria, purpose, how available, emergencies, avoid duplication, documentation, coordination, PA if appropriate

Medical Evaluation, cont.

• Peer review and ongoing training
• MDT/CACs members trained re: purpose and nature of exams
• Findings routinely shared with MDT

Mental Health

• Provided by professionals with pediatric and CA expertise
• Trauma-focused approach
• Available to all regardless of ability to pay

Mental Health, cont.

• Written plan:
• Role of MH on MDT
• Information sharing
• FI separate from MH
• On-going training and peer review
• Services to non-offending family members

Case Review

• Written documents include case review criteria and process
• Regularly scheduled meeting
• Regular participation by all members
• Designated coordinator/facilitator
• Follow up provided
• Cross training

Case Tracking

• Written documents include case tracking process
• NCA statistical information
• Individual assigned
• Partners provide information, access to information

Organizational Capacity

• Non-profit or public
• Appropriate insurance
• Background checks
• Audit or review
• Personnel assigned to project
• Public education and outreach
• Plan for sustainable funding

Child-focused setting

• Designated, appropriate space
• Policy re: separation of victim and AO
• Physically accessible
• Live observation by MDT
• Safe
• Supervision of child and family
• Convenient and accessible

Upcoming changes

• Pass/fail - no rated criteria
• Reduced duplication

Upcoming changes, cont

• Victim Advocate training requirements
• Clarity on services to be provided

Upcoming changes, cont.

• Clarification on Medical provider qualifications and training requirements

Upcoming changes, cont

• Organizational Capacity now includes:
• Succession Planning
• Vicarious trauma and resiliency must be addressed

Accreditation tips

• Note which items require written documentation
• Collect training documentation
• Include accreditation requirements in linkage agreements
• Look at list of case review components
• Involve team members in application

Resources Available

National children's alliance

• Membership Standards
• List serv
• Leadership Conference
• Awareness Campaigns
• OMS

National Children's Advocacy Center

• Symposium
• CaLio
• Archived online trainings

State Chapter: CACWA

• Membership
• Financial Support
• Advocacy
• Training
• Technical Assistance

Western REgional CAC

• Professional trainings
• Onsite customized training
• Technical assistance - phone/email
• Financial support - CACs and Chapters
• Online resources - CAC Director's Toolkit
• Accreditation assistance

Questions?