Friends of the Child Advocacy Center of Frederick County

The FRIENDS of the CAC is passionate about serving those children and families impacted by child abuse. The stories that we hear are heartbreaking but nonetheless exist. However, the rewards are immeasurable. As an all-volunteer group, the FRIENDS was established to support the work of the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) of Frederick giving support to victims of abuse and their non-offending caregivers. Before the CAC existed, a young victim of abuse would have to tell his/her story multiple times at various locations before receiving treatment- reliving the trauma over and over again. Today, all the service agencies such as DSS, police, and states attorney come to the CAC and conduct the exam/interview in a child-friendly facility where counseling, support, and services are provided. The FRIENDS purchased the closed-circuit camera system used during interviews, the software systems to track abuse, vet and food bills for our service dog. We painted and decorated the facility, provided toys, and help the children with needed support services, tutoring, diapers, clothing, summer camps, holiday gifts, and much more. We provide a mentoring program for identified clients, maintain a Healing Garden, and reach out to the community for awareness and prevention activities.