The Work You Hope You Never Need: What Happens at a CAC?

Do You Know What a CAC Is? If you don’t, that’s actually a good thing.

When 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 5 boys experience sexual abuse before the age of 18, Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs) play a vital role in helping families navigate the aftermath. They provide hope, healing, and coordinated support during one of the most traumatic times in a child’s life.

A Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) is a safe, centralized location where child victims and their families receive services following a disclosure of abuse. When a child walks through our doors, they’re not alone. They’re met by a team of professionals—this may include a forensic interviewer, a DCF representative, law enforcement, a case coordinator, and sometimes even federal agents in more complex cases. These professionals work together to minimize trauma and support the child through interviews, medical exams, and case coordination. But just as important are the advocates who ensure that the family is cared for before, during, and after their visit to the center.

At the Children’s Advocacy Center of Osceola, we work to be the warm hug in the middle of chaos. We help families access resources, navigate complex systems, and feel seen. Before they leave, every child visits our “Magic Room”—a space filled with toys and gifts to bring a moment of joy and comfort.

However, we’ve noticed a gap. Our room is stocked with items for younger children, but our teen clients—ages 13 to 18—often walk away without something that truly speaks to them. They deserve more.

That’s why, as an MSW intern, I’m working alongside another incredible intern to restock the Magic Room with meaningful, age-appropriate items for our teens. We’re focusing on self-care, comfort, and dignity—things like fuzzy socks, journals, skincare, hair clips, and wellness kits that can make a small but powerful difference.

We’ve created an Amazon Wishlist where items can be shipped directly to the center. There's also a fiscal donation page through the RISE website if you prefer to contribute funds for purchases. For many of these young survivors, their challenges go beyond abuse—housing instability, poverty, and family stress are often part of their daily reality. This small act of care is more than just a gift—it’s a reminder that they matter, that healing is possible, and that someone sees them.

Personally, I’ve set a fundraising goal of $1,000 to fund a self-care display specifically for our teen girls. I hope to create a table of comforting, empowering items, where each girl gets to pick a cosmetic bag and fill it with whatever brings her comfort—body scrubs, lip balm, cozy socks, and more. If you’d like to support my personal initiative donate directly to my Venmo or PayPal to contribute to the teen display project

Interested in Hosting a Donation Drive? We’d love to partner with you! If your organization is interested in supporting our Magic Room through a donation drive, I’m here to help. I can provide promotional materials, assist with logistics, and work with you to make it a meaningful and successful effort. Let’s connect and coordinate something impactful together Tori.Leto@RISEcs.org

Just $25 for a care items can change the day—and sometimes even a life outcome—for one of our teens. If self-care brings you joy, consider sharing that same love with one of our brave young survivors. Thank you.