About Us

Children’s Advocacy Centers of Oklahoma (CACO) is the accredited state chapter supporting child advocacy centers (CACs) and Multidisciplinary Teams (MDTs) across Oklahoma. We provide training, technical assistance, and advocacy for CACs and multidisciplinary teams, but we are NOT a direct service provider. If you are looking for the nearest child advocacy center to access services, please review our directory page.

CACO was established in 1999 to provide collaborative and coordinated responses to victims of child abuse and neglect. It represents 21 nationally accredited CACs, 2 developing CACs, and multiple MDTs across Oklahoma. CACO staff also offers support to communities interested in establishing an accredited center.

The National Children’s Alliance explains the work of CACs by stating, “When police or child protective services believe a child is being abused, the child is brought to the CAC—a safe, child-focused environment—by a caregiver or other “safe” adult. At the CAC, the child tells their story once to a trained interviewer who knows the right questions to ask in a way that does not re-traumatize the child. Then, a team that includes medical professionals, law enforcement, mental health, prosecution, child protective services, victim advocacy, and other professionals make decisions together about how to help the child based on the interview. CACs offer therapy and medical exams, plus courtroom preparation, victim advocacy, case management, and other services. This is called the multidisciplinary team (MDT) response and is a core part of the work of CACs.”