The purpose of Sunlight Child Advocacy Center (CAC) is to provide a comprehensive, culturally competent multidisciplinary team response to allegations of child abuse in a dedicated, child-friendly setting. These programs provide support and protection for the child and nonoffending family members.

The purpose of the team is to ensure that persons conducting activities and providing services related to child abuse cases are able to conduct their work in a coordinated manner, maximizing positive outcomes for the child’s safety, physical and emotional needs, and for justice. Not all members of the team will be involved in all cases. Also, other agencies and disciplines may be involved at the discretion of
the team, as needed.

Case Review Team (CRT) members include:

• The Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitative Services (SRS)
• Law Enforcement
• Mental Health
• Prosecution
• Medical Personnel
• CAC Coordinator
• Family Advocate

Services We Provide

• Audio and visually recorded interviews in a safe, child-friendly environment.
• Crisis intervention and emotional support for the victim and their nonoffending family members.
• Referral and follow-up with appropriate services, such as mental health, medical and/or sexual assault exams and victim’s services.
• Case review and follow-through by a dedicated Case Review Team.
• Digitally Recorded Forensic Interviews

All interviews conducted at the CAC will be audio and visually recorded. The purpose of this is two-fold: (1) to have an accurate, documented record of what the child has reported, thus reducing the need for multiple interviews and (2) to provide evidence to the prosecution, should a case go to trial. This interview is conducted in a child-friendly, safe environment by a specially trained interviewer.

FAQ’s

Q. How does a child come to be interviewed at the Sunlight Child Advocacy Center?
A. Children are interviewed only after a referral is made by either law enforcement or SRS.

Q. What does it cost to use the services of the Sunlight Child Advocacy Center?
A. All services provided are done so free of charge to the victim and their non-offending caregivers.

Q. Can a caregiver stay with the child during the interview?
A. These interviews are very difficult and sensitive, and children often believe they are in trouble or worry about upsetting their caregivers, therefore it is essential to maintain the child’s privacy during the interview.

Q. What happens to the recording of my child’s interview?
A. All recordings are the property of the law enforcement agency that is conducting the investigation. The center does retain an archive copy of the interview.