Written by: Derek Hawn

For the past 15 years, the Child Advocacy Center of Anderson County, Tennessee (CACACT) has been a cornerstone of support and healing for children who have experienced abuse. This non-profit organization, located in Clinton, TN, provides a safe, child-friendly environment where children can begin their journey toward recovery. As they recently celebrated their 15th anniversary, the Center continues to make a profound impact on the lives of children and families in Anderson County and beyond.

Who They Are and What They Do

The Child Advocacy Center was founded to address a critical need in Anderson County—a safe haven for children who have been sexually or physically abused. Before its establishment, children often had to recount their traumatic experiences multiple times to different agencies in various locations. This process not only delayed justice but also compounded their trauma.

Using the Child Advocacy Center model, CACACT provides a single, neutral location where children can tell their stories to one specially trained professional in a safe and supportive environment. Their services include:

• Forensic Interviews: Conducted by trained professionals to gather information in a way that is both legally sound and sensitive to the child’s needs.
• Medical Evaluations: To diagnose and treat injuries related to abuse.
• Therapy Services: Offering follow-up mental health care to help children heal from trauma.
• Victim Advocacy: Supporting non-offending family members with resources such as criminal injury compensation and referrals for additional services.

By bringing together law enforcement, medical professionals, child protective services, and mental health experts under one roof, CACACT reduces the trauma experienced by young victims and ensures a coordinated response to allegations of abuse.

15 Years of Service: A Milestone Worth Celebrating

In October 2023, CACACT celebrated its 15th anniversary with a special event at Second Baptist Church in Clinton. The evening featured delicious food, music by The McKameys, and a silent auction—all aimed at honoring the Center’s achievements and raising awareness about its mission. Over the past decade and a half, CACACT has served more than 5,000 children, helping them recover from the trauma of abuse and find hope for the future.

This milestone is not just a celebration of longevity but also a testament to the dedication of the staff, volunteers, board members, and community partners who make their work possible. Their efforts have created a safer community for children while fostering greater awareness about child abuse prevention.

Why Their Work Matters

Child abuse is an issue that affects every community, yet it often goes unspoken due to stigma or fear. The Child Advocacy Center not only provides direct services to victims but also works to educate the public about the prevalence and consequences of abuse. They believe that building informed communities is key to eradicating child abuse.

Their work is especially important because it addresses both immediate needs—such as medical care and therapy—and long-term recovery by advocating for systemic changes in how abuse cases are handled. Through partnerships with local agencies and advocacy for better legislation, CACACT is driving change at both the individual and community levels.

How You Can Support Their Mission

As a non-profit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, CACACT relies heavily on donations and community support to continue its work. While they’ve accomplished so much over the past 15 years, the need for their services remains constant—and so does their need for funding.

Here’s how you can help:

• Make a Donation: Contributions help fund essential services like therapy sessions, medical evaluations, and victim advocacy programs. Donations can be mailed directly to their office at:
  Child Advocacy Center of Anderson County Tennessee
  752 N Main Street
  Clinton, TN 37716
• Volunteer Your Time: Whether it’s helping with events or assisting with administrative tasks, your time can make a difference.
• Spread Awareness: Share their mission with friends and family to help break the silence around child abuse.

Every contribution—whether financial or through volunteer efforts—helps ensure that CACACT can continue providing critical services to children in need.

Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future

As they look toward the future, CACACT remains committed to expanding its reach and improving its services. Their vision is clear: to create a community where every child feels safe and supported—a place where healing is possible, justice is served, and hope is restored.

The Child Advocacy Center of Anderson County has spent 15 years giving children a voice when they needed it most. With continued support from individuals and organizations alike, they will undoubtedly continue making an incredible impact for years to come.