Children's Advocacy Center of Erie County

The Children's Advocacy Center of Erie County:

• Is a child-friendly setting for children to tell a specially trained, caring adult about what has happened to them.


• Coordinates the multidisciplinary team response to reports of child abuse.


• Helps direct families to other helps available in our community.


• Offers a number of evidence-based child abuse prevention programs.


• Offers ACT: Raising Safe Kids parenting program and Period of PURPLE Crying.


• Helps mandated reporters understand their responsibilities when reporting child abuse.

HELP US PROTECT CHILDHOOD

What do you remember most about being a child? Warm summer nights catching fireflies? The thrill of a new adventure? A place where you felt safe, loved, and free?

For thousands of children in Erie County, childhood looks very different. Instead of joyful memories, many carry the weight of abuse—an experience no child should endure. Across the nation, nearly 600,000 children suffer abuse, though experts from the National Children’s Alliance fear the number could be even higher. And tragically, only 1 in 10 children find the courage to speak out.

That’s why the Children’s Advocacy Center of Erie County exists. We are a lifeline for children experiencing the unthinkable, providing a safe, child-friendly space where they can tell their story without fear. Every year, up to 300 children walk through our doors for forensic interviews—each one bravely sharing their truth with a compassionate forensic interviewer, allowing law enforcement and child protective services to take immediate action. These interviews prevent children from being forced to relive their trauma over and over again, ensuring they get the protection and justice they deserve. But we do more than respond to abuse—we work to prevent it.

Our latest initiative, the Period of PURPLE Crying, is a primary prevention education program that helps caregivers understand infant crying patterns, reducing frustration and preventing shaken baby syndrome. Through our ACT Raising Safe Kids program, we equip parents and caregivers with the tools they need to create positive, nurturing environments, free from violence.

Both programs—offered at no cost—provide families with the education and support they need to keep their children safe. No one should have to struggle alone. Every child deserves a future filled with hope.

On Erie Gives Day, help us protect childhood. Help us protect our children.

Together, we can turn their stories of suffering into stories of strength. Donate today.

Who We Are

“The CAC is both a place and a process. As a place, the CAC provides a child-friendly, neutral setting for children to be interviewed regarding allegations of abuse and neglect by those who are trained to gather information in the best interest of the child and family, as well as the investigative process. As a process, the CAC brings together all the different disciplines involved in the investigation to work together and share information to achieve the best and most accurate outcome for the child involved. That process stalls if not for the continuous support of partner agencies. The CAC is not a stand-alone entity; however, a collaboration across disciplines and a greater Erie community resource. Without hesitation, I tell those who ask me about the CAC that if your own child was abused, you would absolutely, unquestionably, want the CAC to take the lead. ” Sean Wiley, Former Chairman, CAC Board of Directors