Hospitals in Action >> Case Examples

DARTMOUTH-HITCHOCK MEDICAL CENTER - 
Lebanon, New Hampshire 
Child Advocacy and Protection Program (CAPP)/Child Advocacy Center (CAC)

What is it? 
The Child Advocacy and Protection Program (CAPP) is a multidisciplinary program created to help evaluate and manage child maltreatment, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect. It provides consultations in both the outpatient and inpatient settings. An integral part of CAPP is the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) of Grafton and Sullivan Counties, hosted by the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth (CHaD). The CAC utilizes a multidisciplinary approach in cases of suspected child abuse with a goal of reducing the trauma to children and families and providing justice and healing during a very difficult time. The CAC works closely with a team of professionals from the fields of medicine, prosecution, law enforcement, child protection, mental health, and crisis services.

CAC teams look at the specific circumstances of each case and pull together the appropriate team members.  The CAC provides legally sound forensic interviews of alleged victims, ensures that the interests of the child and family are being met in a child-friendly atmosphere, and helps families navigate through an often difficult system ensuring all appropriate services are made available. The CAC is both a support for children and families who may have been impacted by child abuse as well as an asset to law enforcement and child protection in the communities it serves.

Who is it for?
This program supports children and families who may have been impacted by child abuse where law enforcement and/or child protection is involved by utilizing 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.

Why do they do it? 
The team works together with families to try to make this very difficult time more comfortable, while cooperating to ensure family needs are being met and that necessary services are effectively coordinated. The CAC advocates for children, and provides a safe environment in the aftermath of a traumatic incident.
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Program Impact: 
In 2007, the Child Advocacy Center provided services to 247 children and their caregivers. A recent study conducted by the National Children’s Advocacy Center showed a cost benefit to communities where a CAC is utilized. This study showed that investigations where a CAC was utilized cost a community approximately $2,902 per investigation compared to $3,949 where investigations were conducted without a CAC, showing a cost savings of approximately $1,000 per investigation.  The CAC is financially supported through grants, donations, and in-kind donations by Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth.   

Contact:  Cathy Brittis, MSW
Program Manager
Telephone: (603) 653-3658
E-mail: Cathy.Brittis@Hitchcock.org