Bridge of Hope Child Advocacy Center has been awarded accreditation by National Children’s Alliance following an extensive application and site review process.

As the accrediting agency for Child Advocacy Centers (CAC) across the country, National Children’s Alliance awards various levels of accreditation and membership to centers responding to allegations of child abuse in ways that are effective and efficient, and put the needs of child victims of abuse first.

Accreditation is the highest level of membership with National Children’s Alliance and denotes excellence in service provision.

Bridge of Hope Child Advocacy Center opened its doors in 2007 to offer children who have been abused the opportunity to tell their story in a non-threatening child friendly environment.  The child and non-offending parent are offered the benefit of coordinated services to include but not limited to court substantiated forensic interviews, medical evaluations and advocacy services.  As an Accredited Member of National Children’s Alliance, Bridge of Hope Child Advocacy Center is dedicated to providing comprehensive, coordinated and compassionate services to victims of child abuse.

National Children’s Alliance awards Accredited Membership based on a CAC’s compliance with 10 national standards of accreditation to ensure effective, efficient and consistent delivery of services to child abuse victims.  National Children’s Alliance updated these standards in 2010 to reflect the most recent evidence-based practices in the field of child abuse intervention and prevention.  According to these standards, Accredited Members must utilize a functioning and effective Multidisciplinary Team approach to work collaboratively in child abuse investigation, prosecution, and treatment.  National Children’s Alliance also considers standards regarding a center’s cultural competency and diversity, forensic interviews, victim support and advocacy, medical evaluations, therapeutic intervention, and child focused setting.

“Bridge of Hope Child Advocacy Center is to be commended for its excellent work serving victims of child abuse.”  remarked Executive Director of National Children’s Alliance Teresa Huizar.  “As the national association and accrediting body for Children’s Advocacy Centers across the country, our goal is to ensure that every victim of child abuse has access to high quality services that result from professional collaboration.”

For more information about Bridge of Hope Child Advocacy Center, visit www.bridge-of-hope-cac.org.