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We provide a safe, child-friendly place for children and their families to receive child abuse prevention and healing services that help to restore hope and provide healing from child abuse. Restoring Hope, Healing Children We provide a safe, child-friendly place for children and their families to receive services that help to restore hope and provide healing from child abuse. OUR SERVICES 90% of children abused know their abuser 70% of all reported sexual assaults occur to children under age 18 will be sexually abused by their 18th birthday 1 3 in girls 1 5 in boys 68% of children abused are abused by a family member Keep kids safe. Report child abuse. Suspicion is enough, you do not need proof. If you think a child under 18 is being abused or neglected, report it immediately. Child protective services and local police will take care of the investigation, that's not on you. GET HELP NOW About the Center The Children's Advocacy Center of Franklin County is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for children and families affected by abuse. Our mission is to minimize the trauma experienced by children during the investigative process and to offer comprehensive support services for their healing journey. Learn More Services We are an organization focused on children, offering services support to families and individuals who are suspected victims of child abuse. Learn More What to Expect Navigating the trauma of abuse is a delicate and personal experience. The staff at CACFC are here to support you and welcome the opportunity to discuss any child abuse concerns you may have. Learn More Events Check out our upcoming activities and opportunities to bring the community together. View Now Meet Our Team Get to know the dedicated professionals and staff members who are committed to supporting and advocating for children and families. Our Team Upcoming Events 5th Annual Aim for Advocacy Sat, Sep 12 Chambersburg Rod & Gun Club Join us for a day of fun, friendly competition, and fundraising at our 5th Annual Aim for Advocacy Clay Shoot! All proceeds support the programs and services of The Children's Advocacy Center. Share RSVP Our Sponsors We are grateful for the support of our sponsors who share our commitment to protecting and advocating for children. Together, we work to ensure that every child receives the care and support they need to overcome the impact of abuse. These partners play a crucial role in enabling us to provide essential services to children and families in our community.

Your donation will help provide a safe, child-friendly place for children and their families to receive services that help to restore hope and provide healing from child abuse. Support CACFC Your donation will help provide a safe, child-friendly place for children and their families to receive services that help to restore hope and provide healing from child abuse. Give online today using the form below, or mail a check to: Children's Advocacy Center 40 N. 2nd St. Chambersburg, PA 17201 Another Way to Give... Purchase much-needed items and supplies from our Amazon Wishlists. They will be sent directly to the center! Child Engagement Program Wishlist General Supplies Wishlist Make a donation Please note: The minimum for an online donation is $5. Frequency One time One time Monthly Monthly Yearly Yearly Amount $50 $50 $100 $100 $200 $200 $1,000 $1,000 Other Other 0/100 Comment (optional) Donate $51.45 I'd like to add $1.45 to cover transaction fees.

Our dedicated and compassionate staff work together with a Multi-Disciplinary Investigative Team to ensure children and families are fully supported. Our Team Our Staff Rebecca Voss Executive Director Rebecca Voss received both her Bachelors (2003) and Masters (2016) in Social Work from Shippensburg University. She began working at CACFC in 2014 as the Managing Forensic Interviewer. She has over 15 years of experience working with child sexual abuse victims and their families. Rebecca began her career working for Children and Youth services in the intake unit investigating reports of child sexual and physical abuse. She also worked at the Adams County Children’s Advocacy Center, where she provided supportive and educational services to caregivers, conducted forensic interviews and facilitated prevention programs in the community and schools. She is also a trained facilitator for Darkness to Light Stewards of Children and TECH Smart for Child Safety. Jessica Crouse Community Educator Jessica Crouse earned her Bachelor of Social Work degree from Shippensburg University. She joined the CACFC in October 2019 as an Intake Coordinator and Community Educator and now serves as the Center’s Community Educator and one of the Forensic Interviewers. Prior to her work at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Franklin County, Jessica worked at the Adams County Children’s Advocacy Center, where she conducted forensic interviews and facilitated prevention education programs in local schools. She also served as a caseworker with Franklin County Children and Youth Services and Fulton County Services for Children, where she investigated allegations of physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect. Jessica has received extensive training in child abuse, forensic interviewing techniques, and prevention education. She is dedicated to supporting children and families while working to raise community awareness and promote safe, supportive environments for all children. Madison Waytow Forensic Interviewer Madi joined the CACFC team in September of 2024. Prior to her current role with CACFC, Madi worked as a Family Advocate at Safe Place, a Children’s Advocacy Center in Washington County, Maryland. At Safe Place she assisted victims and their families throughout the forensic interview process and ongoing criminal investigations. In the past, Madi worked for Franklin County Children and Youth Services as a Caseworker II, where she investigated allegations of physical abuse, sexual abuse and neglect. She has received extensive training regarding child abuse and victim advocacy. Emily Sampo Family Advocate Emily is our Family Advocate, bringing over five years of experience supporting children and families through her commitment to trauma-informed care. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and is currently pursuing her Master's in Social Work, deepening her expertise in child welfare and family resiliency. Before joining our team, Emily worked with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), where she guided families through the investigative process of reporting abuse. Her approach is rooted in empathy, empowerment, and a commitment to helping families achieve hope and healing. Our Board Dustin Haluska, President Zach Mummert, Vice President Natalie Lehman, Treasurer Erin Heck, Secretary Dave Rush Megan McGuire Patrick Mulherin John Thierwechter MDT What is an MDT? It is a M ulti-D isciplinary T eam, which is comprised of highly trained child abuse professionals, each with their own area of expertise. CACFC and the MDT work together to ensure children and families are fully supported. This includes: Forensic Interviewers Medical Providers Mental Health Providers Franklin County Children and Youth Services Franklin County District Attorney’s Office Franklin County Law Enforcement Pennsylvania State Police Chambersburg Police Department Waynesboro Police Department Washington Twp Police Department Mercersburg Police Department Greencastle Police Department Shippensburg Police Department

These resources for parents and caregivers help outline what to do if a child discloses abuse to you, as well as recommendations for education tools. Resources for Parents & Caregivers 5 Things Every Safe Adult Should Know If a child discloses abuse to you: Stay Calm Immediately say, "Thank you for telling me. I believe you. It's not your fault." Avoid asking too many questions and don't probe for details. Seek help right away and make a report GET HELP NOW Remember—the single biggest factor that contributes to a child’s healing after abuse is having a supportive parent or caregiver Resources & Education Tools CACFC Caregiver Resource Guide Parenting can be challenging at the best of times, but when your child has experienced trauma, it can feel overwhelming. This resource guide will provide you with strategies and information to help you help them. VIEW GUIDE CACFC: Healing Your Inner Child Inner child healing is valuable to our adult selves. When we begin healing our inner child, we help the current and future versions of ourselves. VIEW GUIDE Redefining Resilience Learning Series A RAINN learning series that helps survivors of child sexual assault understand trauma, move past shame, disclose to loved ones, manage memories, and form trusting intimate relationships. LEARN MORE The Carly Ryan Foundation They provide a range of services, trainings, and support in the areas of internet safety and crime, cyberbullying, and contributing to law and policy reform. LEARN MORE A Parent's Guide to Self Care Self-care helps parents build the strength and resilience necessary for supporting young survivors of child sexual abuse. This guide from RAINN will help you stay strong and support your child. VIEW GUIDE Book Recommendations View our list of books for children, teens, and caregivers that educate about body safety, child sexual abuse, trauma, mindfulness, and more. VIEW LIST

The Children's Advocacy Center of Franklin County hosts engaging and impactful events aimed at raising awareness of child abuse and supporting our mission. Join us as we work together to create a brighter future for children and families in our community. Events Upcoming Events The Children's Advocacy Center of Franklin County hosts engaging and impactful events aimed at raising awareness of child abuse and supporting our mission. Join us as we work together to create a brighter future for children and families in our community. 5th Annual Aim for Advocacy Sat, Sep 12 Chambersburg Rod & Gun Club Join us for a day of fun, friendly competition, and fundraising at our 5th Annual Aim for Advocacy Clay Shoot! All proceeds support the programs and services of The Children's Advocacy Center. Share RSVP

There is a critical need for prevention education in schools, as abuse, bullying, and other forms of victimization can significantly impact students’ physical health, emotional well-being, and academic success. Resources for Schools Why is School Based Prevention Important? There is a critical need for prevention education in schools, as abuse, bullying, and other forms of victimization can significantly impact students’ physical health, emotional well-being, and academic success. Prevention programs provide children with the knowledge and skills to recognize, respond to, and report abuse, while also fostering safer school environments and encouraging healthy, respectful relationships. If a child discloses abuse to you: Stay Calm Immediately say, "Thank you for telling me. I believe you. It's not your fault." Avoid asking too many questions and don't probe for details. Seek help right away and make a report GET HELP NOW Remember—the single biggest factor that contributes to a child’s healing after abuse is having a supportive parent or caregiver Resources & Education Tools CACFC Prevention Education Guide This guide provides an overview of CACFC's prevention programs that provide children and educators with the knowledge and skills to recognize, respond to, and report abuse. It also links to a few helpful videos. VIEW GUIDE The Carly Ryan Foundation They provide a range of services, trainings, and support in the areas of internet safety and crime, cyberbullying, and contributing to law and policy reform. LEARN MORE CACFC Training & Education Programs CACFC trained facilitators provide MBF Prevention Education Programs that are designed for school-wide use across all grade levels. The curriculum meets statute and policy requirements, aligns with Common Core, health, and SEL standards, and fulfills Erin’s Law competencies as well as the American School Counselor Association Scope and Sequence standards. We also provide training for educators. LEARN MORE Prevention and Body Safety Lessons Prevention and body safety lessons give children the knowledge and confidence to recognize, avoid, and respond to unsafe situations. By encouraging open conversation and sharing age-appropriate information, schools can help protect children and empower them to speak up. LEARN MORE

We will guide you through the forensic interview process, explain who you will meet, and outline what happens before, during, and after your visit. Our goal is to support your family with honesty, compassion, and trauma-informed care as you take this important step toward safety, hope, and healing. Prepare for Your Visit What To Expect This page is designed to guide you through the forensic interview process, explain who you will meet, and outline what happens before, during, and after your visit. Our goal is to support your family with honesty, compassion, and trauma-informed care as you take this important step toward safety, hope, and healing. It is recommended that your child complete a forensic interview. What does this look like? A forensic interview is the first step in moving towards hope and healing for both you and your child. This interview is recommended in the best interest of the child, in the hopes that it will limit the number of times the child has to talk about their experience. Preparation for the interview is just as important as the interview itself. The following steps can be completed in the days leading up to the child’s interview: Have an open conversation with your child regarding what they can expect their time at the CAC to look like. You can tell them that they will be meeting with someone whose job it is to talk to kids, and that it is okay to talk about their experience. Be transparent about why the interview is happening and what it will look like. If a child was victimized, their sense of choice, consent, and control may have already been violated. As their trusted adult, it is important that you are honest with them about where they are going and why. It can feel overwhelming if the child is told they’re going to the dentist but they end up at the CAC to potentially discuss a traumatic event. Remind them that they are not in trouble, that you are proud of how brave they are being, and that they did the right thing by telling someone. Caregiver support is one of the strongest predictors of resiliency in child survivors of abuse. Meet them where they are at and be patient during this time. Let them know you will be nearby, in another room while they are in their interview, and that they can take a break to check in with you at any point during the interview. If a medical exam was discussed, talk to your child about what this might look like. The medical exam is a head-to-toe checkup that aims to let children know their bodies are healthy and normal, even if they have experienced abuse. If there are concerns related to abuse, our nurse will be able to assess and provide next steps for getting the necessary care. Talk with your child about the people they may meet during their time at the CAC - see descriptions below. Who will be involved in the case? Forensic Interviewer The first member of our team is called a “forensic interviewer,” and they will conduct the interview with the child. The interviewer will ask open-ended questions to help the child explain if something has happened to them. The forensic interviewer’s job is to talk to children to ensure they are safe, and if they are not safe, to gather information to take steps towards keeping that child safe. Family Advocate The first member of our team is called a “forensic interviewer,” and they will conduct the interview with the child. The interviewer will ask open-ended questions to help the child explain if something has happened to them. The forensic interviewer’s job is to talk to children to ensure they are safe, and if they are not safe, to gather information to take steps towards keeping that child safe. What is the interview like? Our interview room is set up like a small living room, with couches, fidget toys, paper, pencil, colored pencils, and crayons. The cameras are visible in the top corners of the room, which allows our team to view the interview from a separate room. The forensic interview is completely child-led and trauma informed, meaning that the interviewer does not force or lead the child into talking about specific topics. Our interviewers are specially trained to speak with children in a sensitive and age-appropriate manner. If the child decides they are no longer interested in talking, that is their choice, and we will honor that. Your child can also request a break at any point during the interview. Who will be in the Interview Room? The only people in the interview room will be the child and the interviewer. Members of our multi-disciplinary team sit in a separate room to view the interview through CCTV. Those individuals could include law enforcement, children and youth (CYS), and/or the district attorney’s office. These professionals meet as a team to ensure that the child’s safety is secured through a collaborative effort from all involved parties. During your child’s interview, you will meet with our family advocate to discuss any needs or concerns you might have, and coordinate referrals as needed. My child was offered a medical exam - what would this look like? At scheduling, you may have been offered a forensic medical exam with one of our trained pediatric sexual assault nurse examiners. If you and your child decide to move forward with an exam, the nurse will meet with you after the child’s interview to discuss the exam and obtain consent from you and the child. (Participating in the examination is up to your child – if they decline, we will honor that). The exam is a non-invasive check-up that reassures your child of any concerns that may have come up following potential sexual abuse. The nurse will report any findings to you and inform you of next steps, such as testing or follow up care that might be needed. What happens after the interview? Once the interview and medical exam (if relevant) are complete, you will have the opportunity to meet with the members of the multi-disciplinary team to discuss any questions, concerns, or next steps. The family advocate will coordinate any referrals that you discussed and will check in a few days after your interview. Law enforcement and/or children and youth will contact you in the following week to communicate their plan and next steps. Have More Questions? VIEW OUR FAQs View Resources for Parents & Caregivers

Suspicion is enough—you do not need proof. If you think a child under 18 is being abused or neglected, report it immediately. Child protective services and local police will take care of the investigation, that's not on you. Get Help Suspicion is enough—you do not need proof. If you think a child under 18 is being abused or neglected, report it immediately . Child protective services and local police will take care of the investigation, that's not on you. Report Abuse PA Childline 1-800-932-0313 Franklin County Children & Youth Main Line: 717-263-1900 After Hours/Emergency: 717-263-1611 Report Online Exploitation Cyber Tipline REPORT NOW Take It Down REPORT NOW Talk to a Professional ChildHelp Hotline TALK NOW 988 Crisis Lifeline TALK NOW Local Resources Franklin County Community Resource Guide VIEW NOW PA 211 - United Way of Franklin County Community Resources VIEW NOW

Book recommendations for children of all ages, teens, parents and caregivers to help learn body autonomy, consent, mindfulness, and more. Book List CHILDREN'S BOOKS TEEN BOOKS PARENT/CAREGIVER BOOKS children For Children Where Hands Go: An Introduction to Safe and Unsafe Touch As part of the Kids Again Foundation, this easy-to-read, colorfully illustrated book aims to help children understand the importance of consent and when it is not ok to be touched. LEARN MORE C is for Consent This board book teaches that it is okay for kids to say no to hugs and kisses, and that what happens to a their body is up to them. This helps children grow up confident in their bodies, comfortable with expressing physical boundaries, and respectful of the boundaries of others. LEARN MORE Let's Talk About Body Boundaries, Consent and Respect This book explores body boundaries with children in a child-friendly and easily-understood manner, providing familiar scenarios for children to engage with and discuss. LEARN MORE Find Your Calm Find Your Calm is a wonderfully accessible book that teaches children how to tap into their sense of safety when they experience anxiety so they can learn to find their calm. It includes kid-friend activities and coping tools for them to practice. LEARN MORE Where Hands Go: Body Safety Rules Where Hands Go will provide your child with 10 easy-to-follow rules that will empower your child, so they know what to do if an unwanted touch happens. LEARN MORE My Body Belongs to Me, From My Head to My Toes Clara is our narrator, who encourages kids to say “no” if they are uncomfortable with physical contact. She gives tips about what they can say or do to avoid unwanted physical contact, or how to tell the right people in the event it has already occurred. LEARN MORE The Body Safety Workbook for Kids Empower your child with essential body safety skills through interactive activities and parent-guided discussions. LEARN MORE Where Hands Go: The Power of No With playful and engaging rhymes, children will learn to recognize and speak out against unwanted touches, set boundaries, and communicate with trusted adults. LEARN MORE A Terrible Thing Happened This gently told and tenderly illustrated story is for children who have witnessed any kind of violent or traumatic episode, including physical abuse, school or gang violence, accidents, homicide, suicide, and natural disasters such as floods or fire. LEARN MORE You-ology: A Puberty Guide for Every Body A new kind of puberty guide, You-ology embraces an inclusive approach that normalizes puberty for all kids, from the American Academy of Pediatrics. LEARN MORE teens For Teens Girl Made of Stars A timely, emotionally gripping story about facing hard truths of consent and victim blaming in the aftermath of sexual assault, while shining a light on the story of a survivor with sensitivity and hope. LEARN MORE Being a Teen: Everything Teen Girls and Boys Should Know About... ...Sex, Love, Health, Identity, and More. This thorough, concise guide offers straight talk about, well, all of the above and more. LEARN MORE Let's Talk About It: The Teen's Guide to Sex, Relationships, and Being a Human Covering relationships, friendships, gender, sexuality, anatomy, body image, safe sex, sexting, jealousy, rejection, sex education, and more, Let's Talk About It is the go-to handbook for every teen, and the first in graphic novel form. LEARN MORE It's Perfectly Normal Inclusive and accessible, this newest edition of It’s Perfectly Normal provides young people with the knowledge and vocabulary they need to understand their bodies, relationships, and identities in order to make responsible decisions and stay healthy. LEARN MORE Consent: The New Rules of Sex Education In this book, Dr. Jennifer Lang delivers a frank, compassionate, and evidence-based guide to healthy sexual relationships for teens, focusing on the crucial role of consent in sex education. LEARN MORE Mindfulness for Teens in 10 Minutes a Day This gently told and tenderly illustrated story is for children who have witnessed any kind of violent or traumatic episode, including physical abuse, school or gang violence, accidents, homicide, suicide, and natural disasters such as floods or fire. LEARN MORE parents For Parents & Caregivers Body Safety Education: A Parent's Guide to Protecting Kids from Sexual Abuse A step-by-step guide for parents and caregivers on how to protect children from sexual abuse through personal Body Safety Education. LEARN MORE My Body Belongs to Me: A Parent's Guide This book is your guide to starting conversations with kids as young as 3 about boundaries and consent, using language and examples that they can understand. Learning how to set boundaries for themselves and recognize the boundaries of others will help kids develop their own self-esteem and stay safe. LEARN MORE Beyond Birds and Bees: Bringing Home New Message to Our Kids About Sex, Love, and Equality A provocative inquiry into how we teach our children about bodies, sex, relationships, and equality - with revelatory, practical takeaways from the author's research and eye-opening observations from the world-famous Dutch approach. LEARN MORE The Body Boundaries Parenting Guide Empower your child to understand and communicate their body boundaries with confidence through engaging activities and guided conversations—designed specifically for teaching body safety to children ages 3–6. LEARN MORE

Resources and educations tools for kids and teens to help prevent and navigate abuse, bullying, and other forms of victimization. Resources for Kids & Teens Resources & Education Tools CACFC Teen Resource Packet Maybe today is a good day where you feel every ounce of the warrior that you are. Then again, maybe today is a rough day. No matter the day, this packet will provide you with information, activities, and resources to help you along the way. VIEW PACKET Cyberbullying Being safe online is important to protect yourself from people you meet or interact with online. These people may try to take advantage of you, steal your personal information, or harrass or threaten you. This is called cyberbullying. Learn more about it, online safety, and what to do if you are being cyberbullied. LEARN MORE 7 Kinds of Self-Care and How They Help This deep dive into practical self-care can help survivors of sexual violence rebuild their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. LEARN MORE CACFC Mindfulness Activities Mindfulness activities can help teens and children reduce stress and anxiety, manage their emotions, and pay attention to the present. Check out our Mindfulness Activities packet for some activity ideas. VIEW GUIDE Sextortion Sextortion is a form of child sexual exploitation where youth are threatened or blackmailed, most often with the possibility of sharing with the public a nude or sexual images of them, by a person who demands additional sexual content, sexual activity or money from the kid or teen. LEARN MORE Gio's Room at CACFC Gio's room was created as a space just for teens, allowing you to have your own place to unwind after a forensic interview. With a comfortable couch, TV, and sensory activities, teens are able to re-center themselves by engaging in mindfulness activities to round out your visit with us. LEARN MORE NetSmartz NetSmartz is NCMEC 's online safety education program. It provides age-appropriate videos and activities to help teach kids and teens to be safer online with the goal of helping them become more aware of potential online risks and empowering them to help prevent victimization by making safer choices on- and offline. LEARN MORE Why Self Care Matters After Trauma Self-care is a lifelong practice that takes time, persistence, and lots of compassion for yourself. Learn why self-care is so important for survivors. VIEW GUIDE Book Recommendations View our list of books for children, teens, and caregivers that educate about body safety, child sexual abuse, trauma, mindfulness, and more. VIEW LIST

The Children’s Advocacy Center of Franklin County (CACFC) is committed to providing services and support to suspected child abuse victims and their families in a compassionate, child friendly environment utilizing a multidisciplinary approach with respect to the prevention, identification, investigation and treatment of child abuse while emphasizing the child as our first priority. About Us Our Mission The Children’s Advocacy Center of Franklin County (CACFC) is committed to providing services and support to suspected child abuse victims and their families in a compassionate, child friendly environment utilizing a multidisciplinary approach with respect to the prevention, identification, investigation and treatment of child abuse while emphasizing the child as our first priority. Our Vision The CACFC supports and envisions a community where children and their families are provided with the resources necessary to lessen the trauma of abuse. It is our belief that proactively addressing these needs will lead to the future wellbeing of the child and ultimately the community. Our Values The basic principles that guide us include: Recognition that above all else the child is our first priority Opportunity for achieving positive outcomes is multiplied when people work together towards a common goal Every child has the right and deserves to grow up in a world free from abuse Our Team Our dedicated and compassionate staff work together with a Multi-Disciplinary Investigative Team to ensure children and families are fully supported. VIEW OUR TEAM Our Sponsors We are grateful for the support of our sponsors who share our commitment to protecting and advocating for children. Together, we work to ensure that every child receives the care and support they need to overcome the impact of abuse. These partners play a crucial role in enabling us to provide essential services to children and families in our community.

Gio's room was created as a space just for teens, allowing them to have their own place to unwind after their forensic interview. With a comfortable couch, TV, and sensory activities, teens are able to re-center themselves by engaging in mindfulness activities to round out their visit with us. Gio's Room Gio's Room Gio's room was created as a space just for teens, allowing them to have their own place to unwind after their forensic interview. With a comfortable couch, TV, and sensory activities, teens are able to re-center themselves by engaging in mindfulness activities to round out their visit with us. View Resources for Kids & Teens Mindfulness Tip Mindfulness Activities Packet Download our Mindfulness activities can help teens and children reduce stress and anxiety, manage their emotions, and pay attention to the present.