Every day, five children die as a result of child abuse, many of them right here in our own backyard. Helping to address this growing problem is EAC Network’s Suffolk County Child Advocacy Center at the Pat & Mary Bagnato Place for Kids (CAC), which provides assistance to young victims of physical and sexual abuse or neglect.
What is the CAC?
The CAC is a local child advocacy center specifically for young victims of abuse. Its goal is to treat associated trauma while promoting the coordinated prosecution of offenders.
It is a neutral, child-focused environment where a coordinated response to child abuse allegations may be pursued in a way that is both supportive and protective.
The CAC is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with evening and weekend hours as needed. Its staff is on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The office in Central Islip can be reached at (631) 439-0480.
How EAC Network’s Child Advocacy Center Works
The Suffolk County Child Advocacy Center works with cases that have been referred by open investigations of child abuse. Its multidisciplinary “StrikeForce Team”—comprised of the District Attorney’s Office, the County Attorney’s Office, the Police Department, the Department of Social Services, the Department of Health Division of Community Mental Hygiene Services, medical staff, and EAC Network’s professional staff—collaborates in both treatment and prosecution.
In a safe, calm setting, the CAC facilitates:
- Interviews and examinations of child victims
- Investigations and prosecutions of child physical and sexual abuse cases
- Enhanced inter-agency communication and cooperation
- Services and assistance throughout the investigative and legal processes
A Record of Positive Outcomes
Over the years, EAC Network’s Children & Youth programs have delivered successful results. In one survey, 100 percent of parents said their time at the CAC left them more prepared for situations facing their family.
Why Your Help is Needed
Child abuse is an issue that touches hundreds of thousands of lives.
In fact, nearly 700,000 children are abused in the United States every year, according to the National Children’s Alliance. This national problem has local ramifications in areas like Long Island’s Suffolk County.
Without help, local children have less of a chance of recovering from trauma related to child sexual and physical abuse or neglect.
Support Our Children Today
EAC Network’s Child Advocacy Center is supported by Suffolk County, the New York State Office of Victim Services, and by private donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations.
You can support the CAC’s mission with a donation or a contribution of new toys, disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer, snacks or refreshments, arts and crafts supplies or gift cards to major retailers.
Thank you for helping us protect Suffolk County’s youth!
