Our Impact in 2024

joint
investigations

forensic interviews
conducted

hours of court
accompaniment

Accredited Member

PO BOX 97 Berlin, MD 21811

410-641-0097

After Hours: 410-641-1111 or 911

Copyright © 2024 Worcester County CAC

Worcester County Child Advocacy Center

501(c)(3)

caregiver resources

provided

157

263

96

124

184

perpetrators identified

ABOUT US

The Worcester County Child Advocacy Center (CAC) is a child-friendly, safe and neutral location in which local law enforcement and Child
Protective Services investigators may conduct and observe forensic interviews with children who are alleged victims of crimes. The CAC
provides child and non-offending family members with support, crisis intervention, trauma based therapy, and medical intervention.

MISSION - Protect, Serve and Advocate for Children and Families

VISION - Stop Child Maltreatment and Empower Survivors

OUR Work

The CAC is comprised of all partnering agencies in Worcester County who investigate and prosecute child abuse as well as medical and
mental health professionals who work towards protecting abused children.

• Investigation - Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and other local and State law enforcement agencies provide support during the
  investigative and prosecutorial process. Investigations are conducted jointly with child protective services workers and law enforcement
  officers assisting one another.
• Treatment -
  • Atlantic General Hospital provides medical intervention. The Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) nurse examines the child
    victim for signs of sexual abuse and other untreated medical conditions. SAFE nurses are specially trained to examine victims and
    collect evidence. Medical exams are provided at no charge to families.
  • Life Crisis Center, Inc. provides mental health intervention and advocacy to child victims and non-offending family members.
    Providers are specially trained in trauma-based therapy to offer specialized treatment for abused children.
  • Worcester County Department of Social Services, child protective services unit provides support for child victims and families
    through the investigative process. The forensic interview is conducted one-on-one in a neutral setting that is sensitive to the needs
    of the child. The interview allows the children to explain what happened in their own words.
• Prosecution - Office of the State’s Attorney for Worcester County partners with the multidisciplinary team and prosecutes offenders
  when the evidence warrants.

Child advocacy refers to a group of professionals who speak out regarding the best interests of children. A child advocacy center
seeks to protect the rights of children while determining if a crime has occurred. This is conducted in such a way as to reduce the
secondary trauma typically associated with this process.

MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM PARTNER AGENCIES

BOARd of Directors

• President - State’s Attorney Kristin Heiser - Office of the State’s Attorney for Worcester County
• Vice President - Sheriff Matthew Crisafulli - Worcester County Sheriff’s Office
• Secretary - Ethan Holland - Member at Large
• Treasurer - Stefanie Franklin - Member at Large
• Andrea West-McCabe, Senior Director, Patient Care Services Operations - Atlantic General Hospital
• Chief Arnold Downing - Berlin Police Department
• Louis H. Taylor - Superintendent, Worcester County Board of Education
• Lt. Earl Starner - Barrack Commander, Berlin Barrack V, Maryland State Police
• Roberta Baldwin - Director, Worcester County Department of Social Services
• Jamie Manning, LCSW-C - Executive Director, Life Crisis Center
• Kathy Denk - Member at Large
• Dr. Christina Welch - Member at Large
• Christina Fohner - Member at Large
• Belinda Gulyas - Member at Large
• Dr. Tammy Donoway - Member at Large

Belle is the CAC’s Facility Dog. Raised by
Hero Dogs, Inc., Belle provides quiet comfort
and companionship to children and families
during forensic interviews, court, and
therapy sessions.

Atlantic General provides essential medical expertise and compassionate
care to children and families impacted by abuse and trauma. Their
dedicated medical professionals play a crucial role in the multidisciplinary
approach of the CAC, offering forensic medical evaluations, treatment,
and support services that help children on their path to healing.

Life Crisis Center provides trauma therapists who offer specialized
counseling to help children heal in a safe and supportive environment.
Additionally, their Family Advocate ensures that caregivers receive the
guidance and resources needed to navigate the challenges and
complexities of the legal and recovery process. Providers are specially
trained in trauma-based therapy to offer specialized treatment for abused
children and provide a family advocate that will help families navigate
resources and answer questions throughout the case.

The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office provides detectives who are
specially trained in child abuse investigations, ensuring that cases are
handled with expertise, sensitivity, and a child-focused approach. Their
commitment to collaboration and thorough investigative work helps create
a safer community for children and families in Worcester County.

The Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) Child Protective Services (CPS) unit
ensures the safety and well-being of children in our community. CPS provides trained
caseworkers who respond to reports of child abuse and neglect, conducting thorough
assessments and coordinating services to protect vulnerable children. In addition, CPS
workers are experienced forensic interviewers who specialize in speaking with children in a
safe, child-friendly environment. These professionals are trained to gather critical information
in a way that is developmentally appropriate and legally sound, helping to reduce trauma
while supporting investigative efforts.

The Office of the State’s Attorney’s for Worcester County provides expert legal guidance and
prosecution in child abuse investigations. Their commitment ensures that cases are handled
with the highest level of professionalism, compassion, and dedication to the well-being of
the child. Through collaboration, offenders are held accountable while minimizing trauma for
victims and their families.

- mark your calendars -

• - 2025 -

Click here to register!

Click here for sponsorship opportunities!

• January 2025

• February 2025

• March 2025

501(c)(3)

EIN 26-0177198

What does your dollar do?

$8.76

$231.52

$25

$150

$1,723

$32,977.80

Copyright © 2024 Worcester County CAC

PO BOX 97 Berlin, MD 21811

410-641-0097

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After Hours Reports

410-632-1111

or 911