Children's Advocacy Center of Illinois (CACI)

Children's Advocacy Center of Illinois (CACI) At CACI, we believe children begin to heal the moment they are heard.

CACI will be CLOSED on January 20 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.Let’s take this day to honor the legacy of...
01/20/2025

CACI will be CLOSED on January 20 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Let’s take this day to honor the legacy of Dr. King and reflect on the values of equality, justice, and service to others.

Claudia Plumer- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner/SANE at the Pediatric Resource Center- will be joining us at our 16th Annua...
01/17/2025

Claudia Plumer- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner/SANE at the Pediatric Resource Center- will be joining us at our 16th Annual Champions of Children Conference!

Claudia is a pediatric nurse practitioner with expertise in the specialty area of child maltreatment. She has been in her current role at the Pediatric Resource Center in Peoria, IL for 5 years. Claudia is passionate about providing trauma-informed care to children and their families and enjoys collaborating with community-based agencies to improve outcomes at the community level.

Check out our full lineup of speakers here: https://cvent.me/Ml1lVK

Amanda Thomison- Child Protection Specialist at the Pediatric Resource Center- will be joining us at our 16th Annual Cha...
01/16/2025

Amanda Thomison- Child Protection Specialist at the Pediatric Resource Center- will be joining us at our 16th Annual Champions of Children Conference!

Amanda Thomison received a Bachelor’s in Social Work from Illinois State University. She has been a social worker in the Peoria, IL area for 25 years. She had previously worked for Lutheran Social Services as a Child Welfare Specialist. Amanda has held her current role as Case Coordinator with the Pediatric Resource Center since January 2007. Her clinic responsibilities include medical case management in child physical abuse, sexual abuse and neglect cases.

Check out our full lineup of speakers here: https://cvent.me/Ml1lVK

great news for youth of our state 💙
01/15/2025

great news for youth of our state 💙

Jake Boyd- Sergeant for the Texas Department of Public Safety- will be joining us at our 16th Annual Champions of Childr...
01/15/2025

Jake Boyd- Sergeant for the Texas Department of Public Safety- will be joining us at our 16th Annual Champions of Children Conference!

Jake Boyd has been in law enforcement since 2009. He has served with the Texas Department of Public Safety since 2012. During his time with the Texas Highway Patrol, Boyd became part of the Texas Crimes Against Children Interdiction for the Protection of Children (IPC) program. While assigned to the Texas Highway Patrol Region 1D of Texas, Boyd made multiple IPC traffic stops resulting in child rescues and investigations being initiated. Boyd was also assigned to assist Troopers identify and rescue endangered or exploited children and identify those who pose a high-risk threat to a child. Boyd coordinated with Victim Services, the Texas Fusion Center and Texas Department of Family and Protective Services to assist in locating missing children and at-risk children.

Check out our full lineup of speakers here: https://cvent.me/Ml1lVK

Stephanie Jewett- Programs and Communications Coordinator at the Children's Advocacy Centers of Illinois (CACI)- will be...
01/14/2025

Stephanie Jewett- Programs and Communications Coordinator at the Children's Advocacy Centers of Illinois (CACI)- will be joining us at our 16th Annual Champions of Children Conference!

In this role, Stephanie oversees the organization’s social media and communication efforts, creates training materials and graphics, and develops brochures to support CACI’s mission. With over a decade of firsthand experience in child welfare, Stephanie brings a deep understanding of advocacy and support for children and families. Prior to joining CACI, Stephanie served in various roles at the McLean County Children’s Advocacy Center, gaining extensive knowledge and expertise in the field.

Check out our full lineup of speakers here: https://cvent.me/Ml1lVK

A huge thank you to the National Children's Alliance for their continued support to not only CACI, but to many of our lo...
01/14/2025

A huge thank you to the National Children's Alliance for their continued support to not only CACI, but to many of our local Children's Advocacy Centers throughout Illinois. We truly would not be able to do this amazing work without them!

Congratulations to our 2025 grantees! This year, in partnership with the Department of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, NCA is announcing 362 awards to CACs and State Chapters for a total of $22,712,520. The grants will be used for the following:

⭐The establishment, improvement, and expansion of CACs;
⭐ Expanding access to CAC resources and services for the victims of child sexual abuse materials (CSAM);
⭐ The coordination of CAC services for military installations; and
⭐ Expanding CACs in American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) communities.

Check out the 2025 grantees:https://www.nationalchildrensalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025-NCA-Awardee-List.pdf

Khalila Riga- CEO of Khalila Riga Consulting- will be joining us at our 16th Annual Champions of Children Conference!Kha...
01/13/2025

Khalila Riga- CEO of Khalila Riga Consulting- will be joining us at our 16th Annual Champions of Children Conference!

Khalila has been a strong advocate in the fight against human trafficking since 2020, and just like every survivor, she brings a unique, specific perspective on the issue and her personal story has influenced the work she does. In her years since leaving “the life”, she's gained experience and education working in the anti-trafficking field to help others leave exploitation and to educate communities and professionals on this subject.

Check out our full lineup of speakers here: https://cvent.me/Ml1lVK

01/11/2025
01/10/2025

🎉 Big News for the New Year! 🎉

We’re kicking off 2025 and celebrating 30 years of supporting children and families across Illinois by bringing back the CACInsider!

https://l.caci.coalitionmanager.org/nl3/c_2hmt-EdRx2BIt_k9LZZg?hl=en

What’s Inside?
*Updates about the vital work being done by local Children's Advocacy Centers statewide.
*Resources to help prevent child abuse and promote child safety.
*Stories of hope and healing to inspire us all.
*Opportunities for YOU to get involved and make a difference.

The CACInsider is your monthly connection to everything happening in the fight to protect children and strengthen communities in Illinois.

Don’t miss out! Be part of this special milestone year and stay informed.

Sign up now to receive the CACInsider in your inbox: https://form.jotform.com/250093952541153

Cyndi Cantu- Chief Team Relations and Forensics Officer at the Center for Child Protection- will be joining us at our 16...
01/10/2025

Cyndi Cantu- Chief Team Relations and Forensics Officer at the Center for Child Protection- will be joining us at our 16th Annual Champions of Children Conference!

Ms. Cantu is responsible for ensuring that the multi-disciplinary team adheres to the investigative protocols for child abuse cases, and the oversight of the forensic interview and coordination programs. Ms. Cantu was a member of the Children's Advocacy Centers of Texas Forensic Interview Design Team, and the Multi-Session Forensic Interview Design Team, which developed the Forensic Interview Training Model and the Multi-Session Forensic Interview Training that trains Forensic Interviewers across the state.

Check out our full lineup of speakers here: https://cvent.me/Ml1lVK

🌟 National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day 🌟Today, we pause to honor and celebrate the incredible contributions of our ...
01/09/2025

🌟 National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day 🌟

Today, we pause to honor and celebrate the incredible contributions of our law enforcement partners across Illinois. 💙

At Children's Advocacy Centers (CACs), law enforcement plays a vital role in the multidisciplinary approach to supporting children and families impacted by abuse. Their dedication, compassion, and commitment to justice make a profound difference in the lives of those we serve.

From conducting sensitive investigations to building trust with the youngest survivors, law enforcement professionals are true champions of children. Together, we work hand-in-hand to provide safety, hope, and healing to children in our communities.

Thank you to every law enforcement officer who partners with our CACs statewide. Your impact is immeasurable, and your service does not go unnoticed.

Orquidea Rivera- Supervisor within the Family Advocacy Division at the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children ...
01/09/2025

Orquidea Rivera- Supervisor within the Family Advocacy Division at the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC)- will be joining us at our 16th Annual Champions of Children Conference!

Orquidea is responsible for overseeing the team that provides families of missing and exploited children with the emotional support needed when a child has gone missing or has been exploited online. This support is also provided to children and teens that report their own victimization to NCMEC. She also supports social workers, mental health providers, and law enforcement involved with the dynamics associated with a missing or sexually exploited child and is a facilitator in the community speaking on the benefits of therapeutic services for missing and sexually exploited children and their families.

Check out our full lineup of speakers here: https://cvent.me/Ml1lVK

Jonathan Davis- Training Specialist at Project Harmony- will be joining us at our 16th Annual Champions of Children Conf...
01/08/2025

Jonathan Davis- Training Specialist at Project Harmony- will be joining us at our 16th Annual Champions of Children Conference!

In his role as a Training Specialist, Jonathan trains teachers, nurses, child welfare workers, and other professionals about child abuse laws, reporting procedures, and prevention. Prior to working as a trainer, Jonathan has worked as a case manager, visitation specialist and family support worker.

Check out our full lineup of speakers here: https://cvent.me/Ml1lVK

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to make a difference and join an amazing team of coworkers!
01/08/2025

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to make a difference and join an amazing team of coworkers!

Join our team and assist in our exciting efforts to extend and improve access in our southern service area:

https://tinyurl.com/2p8x39v8

Kasandra Osorio- Bilingual Forensic Interviewer at the Kane County Child Advocacy Center- will be joining us at our 16th...
01/07/2025

Kasandra Osorio- Bilingual Forensic Interviewer at the Kane County Child Advocacy Center- will be joining us at our 16th Annual Champions of Children Conference!

Kasandra has over five years of experience conducting interviews with more than 1,700 children of diverse ages and backgrounds. In 2021, she received the Deb Bree Voice for Victims Award in recognition of her exceptional advocacy and commitment to children’s rights. Prior to this role, Kasandra worked as a Foster Care Case Manager, supporting children and families within the child welfare system.

Check out our full lineup of speakers here: https://cvent.me/Ml1lVK

Don’t Miss Out! Early Bird Registration Ends Soon!The Champions of Children Conference is just around the corner, and ti...
01/06/2025

Don’t Miss Out! Early Bird Registration Ends Soon!

The Champions of Children Conference is just around the corner, and time is running out to snag the early bird rate! Register by January 13, 2024 to save on your spot at this must-attend event.

💲 Early Bird Rate: $450
💲 Regular Rate (after Jan 13): $500

Reminder: If you’re paying by check, it must be postmarked by January 13 to qualify for the discount.

Don’t wait—secure your spot today and join us in Schaumburg, IL on March 4-6 for incredible workshops, networking, and inspiration!

Register Now: https://cvent.me/LYan1D

Annette Milleville- Director of Policy and Strategic Initiatives for the Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center- will be joi...
01/06/2025

Annette Milleville- Director of Policy and Strategic Initiatives for the Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center- will be joining us at our 16th Annual Champions of Children Conference!

Ms. Milleville educates on the need for the expansion of collaborative, centralized and coordinated service access for adult survivors of sexual and domestic abuse in the city of Chicago through Chicago CAC’s initiative, Chicago Advocacy Network for Hope (CAN Hope).
Annette is retired from the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office where she was an Assistant State’s Attorney for over 31 years, retiring as the Deputy Supervisor of the Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Division.

Check out our full lineup of speakers here: https://cvent.me/Ml1lVK

Address

400 S 9th Street Ste 101
Springfield, IL
62701

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

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