Child Protection Centers - Introduction
Children's advocacy/protection centers (CAC/CPC) provide a comfortable, private, child-friendly setting that is both physically and psychologically safe for diverse populations of children and their families who are victims of suspected abuse and neglect. The centers offer a new way of serving abused children through a comprehensive approach to services. A team of specialists at the center's work together in the investigation, treatment, and prosecution of child abuse cases. The goal of the child advocacy/protection centers is to ensure that children are not re-victimized by the very system designed to protect them.
Since 2004 Iowa legislators have appropriated state funds for the purpose of establishing new or support existing CPC's that meet, or are in the process of implementing, standards established by the National Children's Alliance (NCA). NCA is a nationwide not-for-profit membership organization whose mission is to promote and support communities in providing a coordinated investigation and comprehensive response to victims of severe child abuse.
Through an application process and legislation, five Child Protection Centers in Iowa have been awarded grants to assist in supporting existing services within the centers. The five centers awarded grants are as follows:
- Mercy Child Advocacy Center located in Sioux City, serving Region 1
- Allen Child Protection Center, located in Waterloo, serving Region 2
- Child Protection Response Center, located in Davenport, serving Region 3
- St Luke's Child Protection Center located in Cedar Rapids, serving Region 4
- Blank Children's Hospital Regional Child Protection Center located in Des Moines, serving Region 5
For More Information:
Contact Monica Goedken, MPA - Violence Prevention Coordinator - Bureau of Family Health - Division of Health Promotion & Chronic Disease Prevention at monica.goedken@idph.iowa.gov or 515-201-3265
- To report Abuse visit the following website or call the Abuse Hotline 24 hours a day/7 days a week: 1-800-362-2178