Who We Are
Founded in 1981, the mission of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida (CAC) is to provide a coordinated response to child victims of abuse and neglect; and improve the lives of at-risk children and their families through prevention services. At CAC, we assess and treat children believed to have been physically or sexually abused or to be at-risk of such abuse, and a provide a safe place for them to come and be heard. We offer abuse determination services as well as therapeutic counseling, parenting education and prevention programs in Lee, Hendry, Glades and Charlotte Counties.
We are one of the largest children’s advocacy centers in the state of Florida and the only one in the four-county area accredited by the National Children’s Alliance.
What We Do
Child Protection Team
Children are referred to CPT by the Dept. of Children and Families (DCF), the agency responsible for answering the Abuse Hotline. Following the assessment, staff makes a recommendation to DCF and law enforcement (if involved), who determine what happens next.
If you know of or suspect child abuse, call 1-800-962-2873
Medical Services
CPT Medical Services provides comprehensive medical assessments for children who have suffered some type of abuse or neglect. The goal of the assessment is to detect, diagnose, document and treat any injuries or conditions that may have resulted from suspected abuse or neglect.
If you need assistance, please Contact Us
Nurturing Parenting Program
CAC’s parenting classes are based on the “Nurturing Parenting Program,” an evidence-based curriculum developed by Dr. Stephen Bavolek, Ph.D. for the treatment and prevention of child abuse. It consists of weekly classes (day and evening) in English, Spanish and Creole. Free childcare is also provided. The classes are offered for both court ordered and non – court ordered families and there is no charge for these services.
Pine Manor After School & Summer Program
This prevention-based program provides curriculum-based activities for children ages 5-12 who reside in the Pine Manor community. The goals of the program are to keep clients safe and help them reach their full potential by teaching them literacy and social skills as well as character-building skills. The program operates out of the:
East United Way House
The East United Way House (4040 Palm Beach Blvd., Ft. Myers) is a multi-agency outreach center offering social services which reflect the needs of the East Ft. Myers community. For a current list of partner agencies, please call 239-313-7719 during hours of operation, Monday-Wednesday, 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM and Thursday 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Food pantry hours vary, call 313-7719. Services are available in English and Spanish.
Family Alliance
Family Alliance is a child-friendly outpatient counseling program that provides therapeutic treatment to children who have been abused or neglected; children who have witnessed or experienced family violence or a violent crime; non-offending parents; adult survivors of child abuse.
The goals of the program are to assist clients in overcoming abuse-related behavioral and emotional difficulties; and to help clients develop effective coping skills, healthy socialization skills and safety planning skills.Services are offered Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and on Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. All services are free of charge.
To learn more, please Contact Us
Family Advocacy Program
This program provides advocacy services to child victims of abuse being served by the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) and the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC). Family Advocacy can assist in coordinating intervention services that have been recommended by the MDT members, identifying any barriers that may prevent the family from receiving services, and advocate for immediate service implementation. An advocate is available to children and families for support and to answer questions about the impending investigations, court process and treatment options.
- Supports children and family members at all stages of involvement with the Children’s Advocacy Center.
- Completes assessment of individual needs and cultural considerations.
- Links families to social services such as housing, food pantries, transportation, public assistance, domestic violence intervention and couseling.
- Assists families in completing Victim Compensation Forms as needed.
- Provides court education and support through court proceedings.
Details
| (239) 939-2808 | |
| Gvertus@cac-swfl.org | |
| Gwen Vertus | |
| Volunteer Coordinator | |
| https://www.cac-swfl.org/ |
