About Us - Child Advocacy Center of Sedgwick County

The Child Advocacy Center of Sedgwick County is founded on the belief that no single agency or professional alone can serve and treat child abuse -- a multidisciplinary team response is necessary.

Our History

Sedgwick County has been at the national forefront of child protection since the development of the Exploited and Missing Child Unit (EMCU) over 20 years ago. City, County, State, private and nonprofit agencies have longstanding cooperative working relationships to provide services for the victims of child abuse. This cooperative relationship marked the beginning of a multidisciplinary approach and was identified as strength in the community. To enhance this strength, Community leaders recognized service providers could be further unified by following what is known as the Child Advocacy Center model.

In March 2006, a task force of representatives from agencies devoted to protecting the safety and welfare of children was established. The task force researched the philosophy and practical application of this model by touring existing Child Advocacy Centers across the nation and consulting with their staff. After a little over a year of information gathering, the task force formally announced the future development of the Child Advocacy Center of Sedgwick County.

Once committed the partner agencies quickly moved into the development phase -

In 2007--

Funds from the Governor's Grants Program for developing child advocacy centers were applied for and received
The position of Executive Director of the Child Advocacy Center of Sedgwick County was advertised nationally

Progress in 2008 --

The Child Advocacy Center of Sedgwick County became an incorporated, nonprofit in the State of Kansas
Board of Directors was established and officials elected
Application for IRS 501(c)3 tax exempt, nonprofit status was applied for and approved
Diana Schunn, RN, BSN, SANE-A, SANE-P, who is recognized as a national educator in the field of sexual assault and has more than 15 years of experience in related fields was named Executive Director

The Child Advocacy Center of Sedgwick County continues to work toward the creation of a child-focused facility with a co-located multidisciplinary team of service providers through fundraising efforts, exploration of potential building sites and continued organizational development.

Our Purpose

To enhance services within the county by pulling the respective agencies together and housing the multidisciplinary team under on roof. The professionals represent prosecution, medical, therapeutic, law enforcement, social services and advocacy agencies. The Center will be developmentally and culturally sensitive to each child's needs. The collaboration between the Center and its partner agencies is designed to serve the child's best interest.

Our Action Plan

Find a building to house approximately 50 employees who work with victims of abuse
Renovate the building to be child focused
Furnish the building with needed furniture and equipment
Identify additional community partners who provide services to children
Increase public awareness and education about the services provided by the Child Advocacy Center of Sedgwick County
Celebrate the grand opening to a new center for children and their families who have experienced abuse

The Child Advocacy Center of Sedgwick County receives grant funding through the Kansas Governor's Grants Program. The contents of this publication are those of the CACSC and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Office of the Kansas Governor.