Child Advocacy Services

Children and vulnerable adults who’ve experienced physical, sexual or emotional abuse have a safe place to share their story with someone who cares at the Central Minnesota Child Advocacy Center (CAC).

This center in St. Cloud provides protection, advocacy, justice and healing for abuse survivors. It works to preserve dignity and spirit by supporting and educating abuse survivors and families.

How We Help Children and Vulnerable Adults

Sensitive, compassionate experts come together at the CAC to hear a person’s story. The child doesn’t have to relive their trauma by describing their experience to multiple agencies. Professionals unite to help children, vulnerable adults and families access medical and mental health care as soon as possible.

If you’re a caregiver, learn what to expect at the center.

Families Don’t Need to Pay

The CAC serves families at no cost to them. As the center’s main sponsor, CentraCare supports the CAC with donations from the community.

Support Child Advocacy Services

Child Advocacy Services relies on donations to offset operating costs. You can make an online donation through the CentraCare Foundation.

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You also may support Child Advocacy Services through a donation of snacks, clothing or personal care items.

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Our Team

The CAC team is a collaborative network of dedicated staff and community professionals, including:

  • Coordinator – Facilitates the team’s work
  • County attorneys – Hold offenders accountable and explain the criminal justice process to families
  • Law enforcement – Gathers evidence to support a child’s case
  • Medical providers – Identify children’s health needs and help young people access care
  • Mental health professionals – Recommend trauma-informed treatment and help the team understand a child’s emotions
  • Social workers and other child protection specialists – Give support to parents and help keep children safe
  • Victim advocates – Helps the team prepare for and respond to children’s needs

Accredited Program

The National Children’s Alliance accredits the CAC, which means the center:

  • Has many types of experts to coordinate investigations and talks openly with children and families to foster trust
  • Provides interpreter services
  • Tailors services to children of diverse backgrounds
  • Works to recruit, hire and keep staff who reflect the community’s makeup
  • Leads forensic interviews in a neutral way that meets legal standards
  • Advocates for and supports children and caregivers
  • Provides medical exams by clinicians trained to identify signs of sexual abuse
  • Gives children and caregivers access to licensed mental health professionals trained in childhood trauma
  • Offers a comfortable, private and safe environment

Child Advocacy Center Photos

Main entrance is child-friendly and provides additional security Comfortable waiting rooms for families Medical exam room Interview room Observation room Child-friendly paintings warm the space Hand-painted murals provide a comforting environment

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Reach Out

Contact the Child Advocacy Center by:

  • Phone: 320-229-5105
  • Fax: 320-200-3207
  • Mail:1900 CentraCare Circle
    Suite 1340
    St. Cloud, MN 56303

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