Peoria-Area Community Impact Guide 2023-2024

TAZEWELL COUNTY CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTER

341 Buena Vista Pekin, IL 61554 Phone: (309) 347-6001 Website: www tazewellcac org Facebook: @tazewellchildrensadvocacycenter

To provide a coordinated approach to the investigation, prosecution, and treatment of child sexual abuse and serious physical abuse cases, which is sensitive to the child victims needs and holds offenders accountable. The CAC operates full-service offices in Pekin, Eureka and Havana.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Sarah Lavin BOARD MEMBERS Jill Sisk Lisa Affolter Jamie Adolphson Melissa Baer Adams Christie Webb Stephanie Stalter

KEY STAFF Louise Pierce Larry Milsteadt

HOW TO HELP Monetary donations go directly towards specialized counseling services to child victims. New or gently used stuffed animals are given to all children after their forensic interview. Interested in volunteering — join our Friends Board!

VALUES At the CAC we provide a safe, child-focused environment for the child tell their story once to a trained interviewer who knows the right questions to ask in a way that does not retraumatize the child DID YOU KNOW?  1 in 4 girls is sexually abused before the age of 18  1 in 6 boys is sexually abused before the age of 18  1 in 5 children are solicited sexually while on the internet  Nearly 70% of all reported sexual assaults (including assaults on adults) occur to children ages 17 and under WHAT WE DO We work as a team that includes CAC staff, medical professionals, law enforcement, mental health, prosecution, child protective services, victim advocacy, and other professionals to make decisions together about how to help the child based on the interview

VISION To understand what a Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) is, you must understand what children face without one Without a CAC, the child may end up having to tell the worst story of their life over and over again, to doctors, cops, lawyers, therapists, investigators, judges, and others

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