Our Story
Our Story
Before the CAC-LMJC came into existence, the process to intervene in child abuse cases was disjointed, inefficient, and often resulted in more trauma to children.
Here’s how we came to be…
1997
The beginning
In 1997, a group of concerned citizens in North Georgia wanted to figure out a better way to help children victims of abuse in the region. They formed a task force determined to improve efficiencies in the process and agencies involved in the intervention and prevention of child abuse in the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit, which covers Walker, Catoosa, Dade and —- Counties.
A broken System
They soon realized that the systems in place led to increased length of investigation time and children were often unintentionally re-traumatized by the agencies trying to help them, enduring multiple interviews, sometimes by individuals with little training and experience dealing with the sensitive needs of children and abuse issues.
bold Vision
During the next two years the task force researched, planned, and raised funds to establish a children’s advocacy center. The vision was for the center to coordinate and centralize the activities of all agencies involved in the intervention and prevention of child abuse, and to provide special services to children and their families walking through the traumatic aftermath of abuse.
1998
First Year
In October 1998 we began our fiscal year, officially named the Children’s Advocacy Center - Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit (CAC-LMJC) with funds from the Children’s Justice Act Grant.
1999
The CAC House
In April 1999, Dr. Robert Jones, CEO and President of Hutcheson Medical Center contributed the use of a beautiful home. In June of the same year we hosted an Open House and we officially opened and began providing services to the children of the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit.
today
Nearly 5000 cases later, the CAC-LMJC continues to be a vital force in the fight against child abuse.
