Child Advocacy and Protection Program
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Child Advocacy and Protection Program

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The Child Advocacy Center of Grafton and Sullivan Counties at DHMC

The Child Advocacy Center (CAC) of Grafton and Sullivan Counties at DHMC is a center which utilizes a multi-disciplinary approach in the investigation, prosecution, and treatment of child sexual and physical abuse cases, as well as cases of children who witness violent acts. 

The CAC is truly a community collaboration for children and families, hosted by the Child Advocacy and Protection Program (CAPP) at the Children's Hospital at Dartmouth (CHaD). 

In addition to working closely with CAPP medical providers, the CAC coordinates services of the following involved entities:

  • County attorney's office

  • Local law enforcement

  • Department of Children, Youth, and Families

  • Mental health providers

  • Crisis services to support children and families who may have experienced the abuse of a child

The CAC provides a safe and welcoming environment for families. The role of our center is to coordinate the interview of the child by bringing together all necessary team members and selecting one trained forensic interviewer to meet with the child while the other team members observe the interview via closed circuit TV. The team works together with the families we serve to try to make this very difficult time more comfortable, while cooperating to ensure family needs are being met. The CAC coordinates needed services for the families they serve. On a monthly basis, cases are reviewed to ensure that the most thorough and child friendly investigation is conducted; as well as that all aspects of the investigation and treatment referrals are completed for the family.