HealthLinksSC.com | 83 plinary team – social services, law enforcement, mental health, medical – that gathers and shares information so that all agencies working on a specific child abuse case are on the same page and can effectively develop a safety and treatment plan. As a child advocacy center, the nonprofit acts as a coordinator and facilitator to build partnerships with multiple community agencies that play a role in child abuse cases for the child’s benefit. Hutchison described a CAC as a “multidisciplinary community response to an allegation of child abuse.” CACs provide a child-friendly place – “a place built for them,” emphasized Hutchison, where alleged victims of child abuse can tell their story once and not have to repeat it. Child interviews are recorded for investigators and partners and can be used in criminal court to support allegations of abuse in a child’s testimony. BE AN ADVOCATE There are numerous ways to get involved with Dee Norton and advocate for children. Direct financial donations are paramount because the center doesn’t charge for its services and relies on fundraising and grants, though volunteers are always needed for the lobby. Gift cards and gas cards allow the center to help families address needs and remove barriers to service such as transportation costs. If you suspect child abuse has occurred and fear imminent harm, call 911. Hutchison encouraged all adults to embrace the phrase, “see something, say something” and report any threat to children you witness. Call the center as a resource if you don’t know what to do or visit deenortoncenter.org. “What I would want every family to know is that there are wonderful resources here in our community for any family where abuse is a concern,” asserted Hutchison. “We believe that it’s our responsibility as adults to take care of the children. And that’s because we know if we do our part, a child who does experience abuse can heal.” HEALTHLINKS IS PROUD TO PARTNER WITH THESE CHARLESTON AREA NONPROFITS 24/7 HELPLINE 800.272.3900 We’re here around the clock, offering reliable information and support for those facing any type of dementia. alz.org/sc 1061 KING ST., CHARLESTON, S.C. 29403 677 LONG POINT ROAD, MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. 29464 843-723-3600
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