In 1989, Illinois passed the Children’s Advocacy Center Act which mandates that each county develop a written protocol for response to crimes against children. The intent of this legislation was to coordinate a multidisciplinary approach to child sexual and severe physical abuse. The ultimate goal was to establish child advocacy centers which would bring various disciplines together in the investigation of abuse cases and in so doing reduce or eliminate any further trauma that may be experienced by child victims.
The Child Advocacy Center of McHenry County, a result of that legislation, began serving children in December of 1999.
Our center provides services to McHenry County residents under the age of 18 who are victims of sexual or severe physical abuse.
The staff at the center provides advocacy services which include:
- Referral services to treatment providers who are experts in the field of child abuse.
- Information regarding Crime Victim Compensation Program administered through the Attorney General’s Office.
- Crisis intervention and medical advocacy by accompanying the victim through the examination and investigation process.
- Legal advocacy by supporting the victim through the court process and ensuring timely availability of information.
- Maintaining contact with all agencies involved in the investigation so that information may be provided to the victims and family members.
- Continuing emotional support to victims and family members.
For more information on advocacy services please visit the Advocacy Page.
The McHenry County Children’s Advocacy Center assists all local law enforcement agencies in McHenry County and the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), by conducting child-sensitive, forensic interviews. For more information on Forensic Interviews please visit the Forensic Interviews Page.
Child Advocacy Center 