December 2025 Newsletter

The South Carolina Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers (SCNCAC) is an accredited state chapter of the National Children’s Alliance (NCA). We are a non-profit membership organization and statewide leader in the response to child abuse representing all Children’s Advocacy Center programs in South Carolina.

LATEST SCNCAC NEWS

Why Your Year-End Gift Matters Now More Than Ever

Each year, more children in South Carolina walk through the doors of a Children’s Advocacy Center seeking safety, support, and healing. From 2017 to 2024, CACs across our state experienced a 61% increase in the number of children served. This growing demand reflects both the ongoing need in our communities and the trust families place in the compassionate care CACs provide.

But as the number of children in need continues to rise, the funding that supports this critical work continues to shrink. Federal funding has steadily declined, leaving CACs to do more with less. That’s where you come in.

When you give to SCNCAC or your local CAC, you’re helping close the gap—ensuring every child who has experienced abuse has access to the services they need to begin their healing journey. Your donation helps provide forensic interviews, family advocacy, trauma-focused therapy, and coordination with law enforcement and child protection services.

As 2025 comes to an end, we hope you’ll consider making a year-end gift. Every dollar makes a difference and every child deserves to be heard, supported, and safe.

Help us continue this vital work. Click the link below to give today and be a part of something life-changing.

2026 BeHeard4Kids Campaign

Looking ahead to 2026, SCNCAC and Children’s Advocacy Centers across South Carolina are preparing once again to participate in Child Abuse Prevention Month. One of the signature events during this time will be the 15th annual Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) Day in South Carolina, taking place on April 1, 2026. This special day honors the vital role CACs play in responding to child abuse and supporting children and families across our state.

In recognition of CAC Day, we will once again highlight the Governor’s Proclamation and General Assembly Resolution with a press conference hosted by the South Carolina Attorney General—bringing statewide attention to the importance of CACs and their work.

To help support these efforts and sustain the mission year-round, we’re excited to announce the official launch of the 2026 BeHeard4Kids Sponsorship Campaign this January. This campaign offers meaningful sponsorship opportunities for businesses, organizations, and individuals who want to make a direct impact. Sponsorships help fund CAC Day events, statewide training opportunities, and outreach efforts that raise awareness and strengthen the response to child abuse in South Carolina.

By becoming a #BeHeard4Kids sponsor, you are investing in the protection and healing of children and empowering CACs to continue delivering best-practice, trauma-informed services throughout the state.

To learn more and explore sponsorship options, please use the link below to view the 2026 BeHeard4Kids Sponsorship Guide.

Wrapping Up 2025: Final Call for Client Data Entry

As 2025 draws to a close, now is the time to ensure that all client-served data for the year has been accurately entered into Collaborate. Complete and up-to-date data plays a vital role in reflecting the full scope of services provided by CACs and supports strong, statewide reporting.

We ask that each center take time before the year ends to review records and confirm that all services delivered in 2025 are fully documented. Double-checking case entries now helps prevent gaps in reporting and ensures we move into 2026 with confidence in our data.

To streamline this process, Collaborate offers several "Error Check" reports under the Network Reports tab. These tools are designed to help CACs quickly identify missing details, such as client demographics and abuse types, and correct them before finalizing year-end data.

We appreciate each CAC's dedication to maintaining accurate records and for all the work they do throughout the year to serve children and families across South Carolina.

IN THE NEWS

Mark Your Calendars for the 2026 Seaside Symposium

The Children's Advocacy Centers of North Carolina and the South Carolina Network of Children's Advocacy Centers are proud to announce the 3rd Annual Joint Symposium on Child Abuse & Neglect will be returning to Myrtle Beach, SC in 2026. 

Designed to support professionals responding to child abuse across the Carolinas, the Seaside Symposium brings together CAC staff, law enforcement, child protection professionals, medical and mental health providers, prosecutors, and others multidisciplinary team members committed to improving outcomes for children.

This year’s symposium will feature dynamic keynote speakers, hands-on workshops, and breakout sessions covering topics such as:

• Multidisciplinary team collaboration and communication
• Trauma-informed care and clinical interventions
• Forensic interviewing and investigative best practices
• Emerging trends in child abuse prevention and response
• Legal updates and case studies

In addition to professional development, the Seaside Symposium offers valuable opportunities to network with colleagues from across the state and engage in meaningful conversations that strengthen South Carolina’s coordinated response to child abuse.

Whether you're returning or attending for the first time, we invite you to join us for this inspiring and educational event by the sea.

Registration is now OPEN!! Click the button below for more information or to register for the 2026 Seaside Symposium. We hope to see you there! 

CAC SPOTLIGHT

CAC Employee Spotlight - Jessica Bell

Our CAC Employee Spotlight nomination for this quarter comes from Deborah Parks, Executive Director of Beyond Abuse:

"It is truly an honor to write this recommendation for such an exceptional employee. Throughout her 20-year tenure at Beyond Abuse, Jessica has consistently exemplified excellent performance and unwavering dedication."

Jessica Bell, Client Services Director at Beyond Abuse and member of the SCNCAC Board of Directors, oversees the daily operations of all client services, supervises staff, and ensures that the needs of child abuse victims and their families are met with compassion and professionalism. Her dedicated leadership and sharp organizational skills were instrumental in Beyond Abuse’s successful 2025 NCA reaccreditation.

Jessica plays a key role in strengthening partnerships with Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) members, helping to foster collaboration and increase community involvement. She also serves as the secondary handler for Beyond Abuse’s therapy dog, Novie, offering additional emotional support to those receiving services.

Deborah Parks shared that, "Jessica’s overall knowledge of the agency and the field of work is invaluable. We are fortunate to have her as a member of our team and the Beyond Abuse family."

TRAININGS & EVENTS

Building Capacity Across South Carolina: Training Highlights

Over the past three months, SCNCAC has continued its commitment to strengthening the statewide response to child abuse by offering several high-impact trainings and events. This article provides an overview of 5 key sessions conducted during this period, highlighting their purpose, impact, and the ongoing efforts to support multidisciplinary professionals across South Carolina.

1. ChildFirst® EX - October 22-24, 2025

This live virtual Expanded Forensic Interview training provided 22 interviewers from CACs and the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) with a structured, research-supported approach for conducting multiple, non-duplicative interviews with children who may not respond fully to a standard single interview. Over 2.5 days, participants explored the rationale for expanded interviews, learned a step-by-step process, and practiced applying the protocol through group exercises and case scenarios. The training emphasized legal defensibility, trauma-informed techniques, and practical application, equipping interviewers to effectively support child victims and witnesses with complex needs.

2. Working with the Local CAC - November 5, 2025

In a recent presentation to over 150 Adult Protective Services (APS) workers, SCNCAC staff and Rob Bullard, Kay Phillips Child Advocacy Center, highlighted how Children's Advocacy Centers in South Carolina can provide services to vulnerable adults. 

Over the past two years, 12 of the state's 17 CACs have served 45 vulnerable adults with cognitive disabilities, developmental delays, and other conditions. The majority of cases involved sexual assault (28), followed by physical assault (6), trafficking (5), and other abuse types. 

The 2021 SC Child Abuse Response Protocol Act notes that CACs can offer vulnerable adults the same multidisciplinary team approach originally designed for children, including specialized forensic interviews, medical examinations, and victim advocacy services. The presentation emphasized the referral process for APS workers and the importance of collaboration between agencies to better protect vulnerable adults throughout South Carolina, regardless of their location in the state.

3. SCNCAC Statewide Peer Review - November 7, 2025

This in-person peer review began with a group discussion and feedback on shared forensic interview recordings, focusing on promoting accuracy, consistency, and professionalism in interviews with children and other vulnerable populations.

Next, participants—including 30 CAC interviewers and 3 SLED interviewers—observed a forensic interview demonstration facilitated by ChildFirst® faculty with the assistance of Kaufmann Forensic Actors, LLC. During this interactive demonstration, the interview roleplay was paused at key points to allow for group discussion on appropriate follow-up questions, giving participants an opportunity to gain insight and learn collaboratively.

Following the demonstration, the session featured a presentation titled "The Science of Stillness: How to Protect Your Energy & Reset Your Mind in Minutes," led by resilience strategist Sudha McFadden. This training offered forensic interviewers practical, neuroscience-informed strategies to manage stress, maintain focus, and support well-being in high-pressure work. 

The session concluded with a variety of self-care activities, designed to help participants relax and recharge. Aaliyah Simon, SCNCAC Quality Improvement Manager, noted, “This was a day with our interviewers in mind.” Participants had options such as making s’mores by the bonfire, painting, rock climbing, and more, providing time for reflection and rejuvenation.

4. Building Resiliency in CACs & MDTs - November 12, 2025

This training, adapted from the Office for Victims of Crime curriculum, was attended by 14 CAC and multidisciplinary team members from Edisto Children’s Center. The session focused on recognizing the personal and organizational impacts of working with abused children and building resilience both individually and as a team. Participants explored the five core elements of resiliency and learned practical strategies to apply them within their CAC and MDT. 

Through interactive activities, discussions, and reflection, they developed an actionable plan to strengthen team functioning, prevent burnout, and support long-term professional well-being.

5. Breaking the Taboo of Helping Children and Adolescents with Problematic Sexual Behaviors - December 4, 2025

This full-day training, led by Jimmy Widdifield, Jr., MA of the National Children’s Advocacy Center, provided child abuse professionals with research-based guidance for effectively responding to children and adolescents with problematic sexual behaviors (PSB). 

Participants learned to dispel common myths, understand factors that influence placement and safety decisions, and identify core elements of effective clinical interventions. The training emphasized the important role multidisciplinary professionals play in promoting safety, supporting families, and ensuring appropriate treatment for both the youth initiating the behavior and the children impacted. Designed for a wide range of CAC and community partners, the session equipped attendees with practical strategies to enhance case decision-making and strengthen collaborative responses to PSB.

2026 Upcoming Trainings and Events Calendar

As we move into 2026, SCNCAC remains focused on strengthening the workforce with continued education and innovative programs. Check out the preview of upcoming events below. If you are a CAC Staff member or MDT partner, please be sure you login to SCNCAC Connect when viewing the list to see all events that are open for your membership level.

• January 7th & 16th: 1st Quarter Peer Review (virtual)
• February 13th: SCNCAC Membership Meeting
• March 3rd-5th: SCNCAC Initial VSP Training (in-person)
• April 1st: CAC Day
• May 8th & 13th: 2nd Quarter Peer Review (virtual)
• May 15th: SCNCAC Membership Meeting
• May 26th-29th: 2026 Seaside Symposium
• August 11th-13th: SCNCAC Initial VSP Training (in-person)
• August 21st: SCNCAC Membership Meeting
• September 2nd & 11th: 3rd Quarter Peer Review (virtual)
• October 23rd: SCNCAC Membership Meeting
• November 6th: Statewide Peer Review (in-person)
• December 11: SCNCAC Annual Membership Meeting

For more information about upcoming trainings and resources, stay tuned to the SCNCAC newsletter and Connect website.

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SCNCAC, PO Box 2195, Columbia, SC 29202