Children’s Advocacy Center

The mission of the Bucks County Children’s Advocacy Center is to protect the interests of children by facilitating a coordinated, child-centered response to child abuse reports and by promoting the rights and needs of at-risk and abused children.

Bucks County Children’s Advocacy Center
215-343-6543

ChildLine
1-800-932-0313

NOVA 24/7 Helpline
1-800-675-6900

The Bucks County Children’s Advocacy Center

The Bucks County Children’s Advocacy Center strives to transform the system by providing a child-friendly setting where a skilled team of professionals come together under one roof to investigate serious child abuse allegations, conduct forensic interviews to aid in the prosecution of offenders, and connect children and families with therapy and victim assistance services.

A Multidisciplinary Team Model

There are more than 1,000 reports of child abuse in Bucks County each year. The Bucks County Children’s Advocacy Center provides a safe and child-friendly environment for effective, coordinated investigations. A skilled team of professionals from disciplines of law enforcement, child welfare, prosecution, mental health, medical services, and victim services work together to investigate such reports of abuse and connect children and caregivers with resources towards healing — always keeping the best interest of the child in mind.

FAQ & What to Expect

Here are answers to some common questions parents and guardians have before bringing their child to the Bucks County Children’s Advocacy Center.

Jamison

Fairless Hills

Perkasie

Who will talk with my child?

Your child will speak with a Child Forensic Interview Specialist who is specially trained to speak with children in a child-friendly, developmentally sensitive, legally sound manner. Open-ended and non-leading questions are asked to elicit free narrative responses. Additionally, Child Forensic Interview Specialists receive ongoing training in best practices and strategies for conducting interviews of children with varying needs and abilities. The Child Forensic Interview Specialist remains neutral and focuses on gathering facts and information at the child’s pace. Children are empowered to tell their story using their own words.

Can I watch the interview?

No. Only members of the multidisciplinary team who are involved in the investigation are permitted to observe the interview. When the interview is finished, the parent/caregiver meets with the multidisciplinary team to ask questions, receive feedback, and plan follow-up steps.

Before the Interview, may I talk to my child about what happened?

If your child brings up the subject and wants to talk about it, listen without questioning. Thank your child for talking to you and validate any feelings that they may be expressing. If your child does tell you something that seems like new information, contact your law enforcement officer, Children & Youth Worker, or the Bucks County Children’s Advocacy Center.

What do I tell my child about the interview?

It is best to be truthful with your child about the reason for their visit to the CAC and the person with whom they will be speaking. You can tell them they will be talking to someone who talks with kids all the time about things that happen to them. This is a safe person to talk to. Please don’t tell your child what to say but encourage them to tell the truth. If you have any questions concerning how to prepare your child for the interview, please call the Bucks County Children’s Advocacy Center.

Will my family have support at the CAC?

The CAC Family Support Advocate is present at each interview to assist and guide families through the CAC process. The Family Support Advocate provides support, information, and referral services. The Family Support Advocate can discuss and provide referrals to a comprehensive continuum of support services such as medical consultations, counseling, victim advocacy, and more.