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

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

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.

These frequently asked questions help parents and caregivers prepare themselves, their children, and their family for a CACFC appointment. FAQs Frequently Asked Questions For Parents & Caregivers What do I tell my child about the CACFC appointment? Talking to your child about what to expect is very important. You may tell them that they will be meeting with someone who talks to many children and that it is ok to tell their story. Assure your child that they are not in trouble and you will be nearby during the entire process. They may also meet with a nurse for a head to toe checkup. Will I be able to watch the interview? Only the professionals involved in your child’s investigation will be able to view the interview, however you will have the opportunity to meet with the team to discuss any questions or concerns you may have. Should I talk with my child about what happened? It is best not to question your child prior to the interview. If your child wants to talk with you be supportive, listen attentively and try to avoid asking questions. Be sure to reassure your child that you are there for them and that they are safe. Will I be able to bring a friend or family member to wait with me? You are more than welcome to bring a support person with you. You should NOT bring the person being accused of the abuse even if they are a family member. The family advocate will be available to provide support and discuss additional resources during your visit. What is the advantage of having my child interviewed at the Children's Advocacy Center? Your child is our first priority. The CACFC provides a safe place with a comfortable and child friendly atmosphere. The forensic interview and multidisciplinary investigative team approach is designed to lessen the trauma your child may experience by limiting the number of times that they are asked to share their story. Services for your child and family are coordinated and you will have the opportunity to meet with and ask questions of the professionals involved in your child's case.

Thank you for supporting the Children's Advocacy Center of Franklin County! Thank you, Donor Name We are so grateful for your generous donation of $0. Your donation number is #1000. You’ll receive a confirmation email soon.

We provide a child-focused, compassionate, and collaborative approach to supporting children and families impacted by suspected child abuse. Our Services What We Do At the Children’s Advocacy Center of Franklin County (CACFC), we provide a child-focused, compassionate, and collaborative approach to supporting children and families impacted by suspected child abuse. Our team works closely with a Multidisciplinary Investigative Team (MDIT) to ensure that every child receives comprehensive care in a safe and supportive environment. Interview & Evaluation Forensic Interviews A forensic interview is a developmentally sensitive, fact-gathering conversation designed to help children share their experiences in a safe and supportive setting. Conducted by trained, neutral professionals, these interviews follow evidence-based practices and are observed remotely by law enforcement and child welfare investigators to reduce the need for repeated questioning. This process helps minimize trauma for the child while ensuring that accurate information is gathered for investigations. Forensic Medical Exams Forensic medical exams are thorough, head-to-toe physical evaluations conducted by certified pediatric forensic nurses (SANE-P) or other qualified medical providers. Using specialized equipment, providers can document findings when necessary. While most exams do not reveal physical evidence of abuse, they play an essential role in reassuring children and caregivers about the child’s health and well-being. These exams also help address concerns, provide education, and dispel misconceptions children or families may have about their bodies. Treatment & Intervention Our MDIT includes medical providers, mental health professionals, forensic interviewers, family advocates, law enforcement, children and youth services, and the District Attorney’s Office. Together, we provide coordinated services that prioritize the child’s needs while reducing trauma and supporting the family through the healing process. CACFC leads the services for: Family Advocacy Families are connected with advocates who guide them through the investigative and healing process, offering emotional support, information, and referrals to community resources. Mental Health Support Children and caregivers are connected with specialized trauma-focused therapy and counseling services to promote healing and resilience. Training Prevention Our staff provides community-based education and training on recognizing, responding to, and preventing child abuse. These programs help professionals, parents, caregivers, and community members build knowledge and awareness, with the goal of keeping children safe. Training covers topics such as signs of abuse, how to respond to a disclosure, and strategies for prevention and intervention. >> View Resources & Education Tools for Schools Our Education and Training Programs: Child Safety Matters MBF Child Safety Matters® is a comprehensive, evidence-based prevention education program for elementary school students in grades K-5. The program teaches students and adults how to prevent, recognize, and respond appropriately to the four types of child abuse (physical, emotional, sexual, neglect), bullying, cyberbullying, and digital dangers. CAC 101 An overview of Children's Advocacy of Franklin County as a community resource. Learn what a child can expect when coming to CACFC, what services we provide, and how our agency can be a resource to your organization. Teen Safety Matters MBF Teen Safety Matters® is a comprehensive, evidence-informed prevention education program for middle school students in grades 6-8 and high-school students in grades 9-12. The program educates and empowers teens and all relevant adults with information and strategies to prevent, recognize, and respond appropriately to bullying, cyberbullying, all types of abuse, relationship abuse, digital dangers, exploitation, and human trafficking. Stewards of Children Stewards of Children by Darkness to Light is a two-hour training designed to educate adults about how to recognize, prevent, and react responsibility to the reality of child sexual abuse, emphasizing child safety as every adult’s responsibility. Mental Health Matters MBF Mental Health Matters is a supplemental lesson designed to accompany the MBF Child Safety Matters® and MBF Teen Safety Matters® programs. This lesson focuses on emotional health, mental health, and substance abuse, helping students understand the importance of caring for their mental well-being. Tech Smart Tech Smart builds awareness of the risk of Internet based technology and offers adult resources for prevention. The training is designed to educate parents and professionals that work with children about technology risks to children including predators, cyber bullying, sexting and Internet-based social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. This training can be customized to suit your group and is available in sessions lasting from one to three hours. VIEW THE CACFC PREVENTION EDUCATION GUIDE Want CACFC to lead an education/training program for you? Interested in learning more? Contact us to get started.

Thank you for supporting the Children's Advocacy Center of Franklin County. Your gift makes a difference! Thank you, Donor Name We are so grateful for your generous donation of $0. Your donation number is #1000. You’ll receive a confirmation email soon.