June 2026 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

2026 Carolinas Seaside Symposium

The 3rd Annual Seaside Symposium on Child Abuse for the Carolinas brought professionals from across the country to Myrtle Beach to connect and learn. The symposium provided those involved in the investigation, evaluation, treatment, and prosecution of child abuse cases with valuable knowledge and skills to build their expertise and strengthen collaboration in response efforts.

418 participants attended from various disciplines:

  • 74 Victim Advocates
  • 57 Forensic Interviewers
  • 41 CAC Director/Admins
  • 33 Mental Health Providers
  • 9 MDT Coordinators
  • 62 Medical Personnel
  • 49 Law Enforcement Officers
  • 42 Child Protective Services
  • 32 Other/Victim Services
  • 10 Attorney/Prosecutors

This year’s symposium provided 4,188 hours of continuing education, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing best practices and ensuring every child has access to a coordinated and compassionate response. The knowledge gained and connections formed will continue to strengthen collaboration and improve outcomes for children and families across the Carolinas and beyond. 

We also extend our sincere appreciation to our Platinum Sponsor, The Duke Endowment, for their support of this year’s symposium and their continued commitment to strengthening child well-being efforts across the region.

As planning begins for the 4th Annual Seaside Symposium, scheduled for May 3–6, 2027, we invite you to be part of this growing movement. Whether you’re a seasoned presenter or bringing a fresh perspective, we will be seeking engaging speakers to lead dynamic sessions across all disciplines.

Session proposal submissions will open in July 2026. Stay tuned for additional details and be ready to submit your abstract to share your expertise!

2027 Seaside Symposium

Tracking Our Progress Across South Carolina

Numbers tell an important story about the work happening every day across South Carolina's Children's Advocacy Centers. Through the live data featured on the SCNCAC website, staff, partners, and supporters can see the collective impact being made across our statewide network in real time.

As of today, South Carolina's 31 Children's Advocacy Centers have already served 8,185 children in 2026. This year-to-date total has already surpassed the number of children served during all of 2016 and represents more than half of the total children served in 2025. These numbers reflect the continued growth of the CAC movement and our collective commitment to helping children and families heal from abuse.

Our support for CACs and multidisciplinary team partners continues to grow as well. So far this year, SCNCAC has responded to 2,997 technical assistance requests, demonstrating the ongoing demand for guidance, resources, and expertise across the state. This follows a record-setting year in 2025 and highlights SCNCAC's expanding role in strengthening South Carolina's child protection system.

Professional development remains a key priority. In 2026, SCNCAC has already provided 5,847 hours of continuing education, equipping professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to better serve children and families. As additional trainings are delivered throughout the year, this number will continue to increase.

These live metrics tell a powerful story of collaboration, growth, and impact. We encourage everyone to visit the SCNCAC website regularly to follow our progress and see how, together, we are advancing our mission to support children, strengthen families, and empower communities across South Carolina.

SCNCAC Homepage

Midlands Gives Day

The 2026 Midlands Gives campaign was held on May 5th of this year. We are grateful to everyone who supported us during Midlands Gives, helping make a meaningful difference in the lives of the children and families we serve and ensuring they receive the serves they deserve.

Thank you for standing with us and for being part of this important work.

Learn More

IN THE NEWS

15th Annual CAC Day Press Conference

As part of Child Abuse Prevention Month, South Carolina state leaders gathered at the Statehouse on April 1, 2026, to recognize the 15th Annual Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) Day—hosted by the SC Attorney General's Office.

During the press conference, speakers applauded CACs and the critical role they play in strengthening South Carolina's coordinated response to child abuse.

In 2025 alone, CACs served 14,184 children and countless other family members impacted by abuse. This continued increase highlights the ongoing need for sustainable funding to maintain services and support a growing demand.

Testimonies supporting the vital services provided by CACs, were heard from:

  • Tom Knapp, President & CEO (SCNCAC)
  • Attorney General Alan Wilson (Office of the Attorney General)
  • Sue Williams, CEO (Children's Trust of South Carolina)
  • Margaret Bodman, Interim State Child Advocate (Dept. of Children's Advocacy)
  • Representative Paula Calhoun (JCLCC)
  • Tony Catone, Director (SCDSS)

After the press conference, SCNCAC staff and CAC representatives from across South Carolina gathered on the Senate Chamber balcony at the State House to be introduced and recognized from the Senate floor. This moment not only honored their work but also helped raise awareness about child abuse and the importance of a unified response that supports children and families through local CACs.

CAC SPOTLIGHT

Race to Healing 2026

The Children's Advocacy Center of Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union Counties celebrated a record-breaking evening at its “Race to Healing 2026” fundraiser on May 2nd at The Piedmont Club. Guests donned derby hats and gathered to watch the 152nd Kentucky Derby while enjoying live music, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and live auctions.

The event raised more than $130,000, surpassing the organization’s previous fundraising record of $102,000 set in 2025. Of that total, more than $36,500 was raised during the live therapy auction to provide free therapy services for children served by the center.

The evening also marked the largest turnout in the organization’s history, with more than 280 guests RSVP’ing for the event. In addition, the center officially launched the “Campaign for Healing and Hope,” a $1 million capital campaign focused on securing the future of critical programs, expanding the center’s capacity to serve children in crisis, and investing in the staff members who make healing possible every day.

Click the button below to watch their Campaign for Healing and Hope video.

CAC Employee Spotlight - Anna Shaw

When it comes to delivering the “best of the best practice responses to child abuse,” there is always someone behind the scenes ensuring everything runs smoothly. 

At Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center, that person is Anna Shaw, Director of Operations.

Anna manages all aspects of technology—from software platforms to laptops to security systems—while also coordinating records requests, responding to subpoenas, and resolving everything from plumbing emergencies to facility issues. She ensures every guest is welcomed with professionalism and warmth, troubleshoots challenges with confidence, and continually identifies ways to improve operations.

Her calm, decisive, and dependable presence reassures staff—"we all know she has our back". Anna makes overseeing two locations look effortless, allowing a team of more than forty therapists, interviewers, advocates, and administrative staff to stay focused on their work.

Beyond daily operations, Anna leads major initiatives, including last year’s NCA reaccreditation and this year’s Trauma-Informed Organization Assessment (TIOA). She played a critical role in organizing extensive documentation and completing a detailed checklist ahead of the spring evaluation.

"We at Dee Norton are fortunate to have Anna Shaw behind the scenes. She creates an atmosphere where we can do our best work for our clients."

Dee Norton CAC

TRAININGS & EVENTS

Upcoming - VerbatUm Training

As South Carolina CACs transition from Voyce (Martti) to VerbatUm for interpreter services, we will be offering two virtual training sessions to help CAC staff get started. During the training, participants will learn how to use the VerbatUm app, request an interpreter, and access interpreting services when needed.

Training will be offered on:

  • Monday, June 16 at 11:00 AM
  • Wednesday, June 18 at 11:00 AM

CAC staff only need to attend one of the two sessions. We encourage anyone who will be using interpreter services to participate to help ensure a smooth transition.

Click the button below to register now!

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SCNCAC, PO Box 2195, Columbia, SC 29202

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