Develop a CAC

How to Develop an Accredited Children's Advocacy Center

Children’s Advocacy Centers of Oklahoma (CACO) assists communities in developing Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs) to enhance coordination among community agencies and professionals involved in child abuse intervention.

To be defined as an Oklahoma Children’s Advocacy Center, and therefore eligible for full membership with CACO, a CAC must be an Accredited Member of the National Children’s Alliance (NCA), meeting nine (9) standards and undergoing a site review to ensure adherence to high standards of practice.

To be defined as an Oklahoma Developing CAC, and therefore eligible for associate membership with CACO, a Developing CAC must submit required documentation to CACO staff which includes specific criteria related to applying for NCA accreditation.

A CAC is a critical resource that serves as a child-focused, community-based center aimed at coordinating efforts to effectively respond to child abuse cases. Becoming an accredited member of the NCA signifies that a CAC adheres to high standards of practice and ensures the well-being of children who have experienced abuse.

If you are considering developing a Children’s Advocacy Center in Oklahoma, it is important to connect with CACO staff, engage with relevant organizations and individuals, and ensure that your multidisciplinary team operates in accordance with the highest standards of practice to provide effective support for children who have experienced abuse.

Use the resources linked on this page to assist in your understanding of the steps required to become an accredited Children’s Advocacy Center.

Accreditation with NCA:
CLICK HERE to learn about the Nine (9) Standards for Accredited CACs: National Children’s Alliance.

Logic Flow for Developing a CAC:
Download CACO’s Logic Flow Outline for Developing CACs.
Use the guide to assist in your understanding of developing a CAC in Oklahoma.
For Oklahoma Freestanding MDT requirements, contact the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth (OCCY).
For NCA Accreditation Standards, contact CACO.
For inquiries involving both, contact both OCCY and CACO for coordinated guidance.

Timeline: The process from the initial stages of development to achieving accreditation can take from 18 to 36 months to complete. This timeframe highlights the complexity of establishing a fully functional and accredited CAC.

Phases of Development: Below outlines different phases involved in developing a Children’s Advocacy Center. These phases include activities such as building the MDT, creating a physical space for the center, establishing protocols and procedures, training staff and team members, and more.
Click on each title to access the phase document.