September 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

State Budget Includes $1.5 Million for Children's Advocacy Centers

After weeks of negotiations, South Carolina's state budget conference committee reached an agreement on the Fiscal Year 2026–2027 state budget. The proposed budget includes $1.5 million for the South Carolina Network of Children's Advocacy Centers (SCNCAC) to support Children's Advocacy Centers (CACs) statewide.

SCNCAC is grateful that the conference committee approved the higher funding level included in the House version of the budget. This investment will help strengthen South Carolina's Children's Advocacy Centers and support the critical services they provide to children and families affected by abuse.

We're pleased to share that the General Assembly has since approved the conference committee report, and the budget has been signed by Governor Henry McMaster's office. With final approval secured, SCNCAC will issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the 2026–2027 CAC state funding stipends. Funding awards will proceed in accordance with the approved budget.

We extend our sincere appreciation to our legislative champions and everyone who advocated for this important investment in South Carolina's Children's Advocacy Centers. For the latest legislative updates, member CACs should continue to monitor the SCNCAC Connect Legislative Forum.

SCNCAC Welcomes New CSEC CAC-MDT Statewide Coordinator

SCNCAC is excited to welcome Caroline Boswell to our team as our new Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) CAC-MDT Statewide Coordinator!

In this role, Caroline will support efforts to strengthen the Children’s Advocacy Center response to cases involving the commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) across South Carolina. She will work alongside CACs and multidisciplinary teams to enhance collaboration, strengthen practices, and support communities in responding to children impacted by exploitation.

Caroline brings a wealth of experience to SCNCAC, having served as a CAC Forensic Interviewer, Registered Nurse (RN), and MDT Coordinator. Her background and commitment to child-centered, trauma-informed services make her a valuable addition to our team.

We are thrilled to have Caroline join SCNCAC and look forward to the expertise she will bring to this important statewide effort. Welcome to the team, Caroline!

IN THE NEWS

2027 Symposium Call for Abstracts - 1 Week Remaining

Hosted in partnership between North and South Carolina, this multi-disciplinary event brings together professionals dedicated to supporting children and families affected by abuse.

We are still accepting session proposals for the next week and invite you to be part of the 2027 speaker lineup. Whether you’re a veteran presenter or bringing a new voice to the field, we welcome proposals for engaging and informative sessions designed for forensic interviewers, mental health providers, medical professionals, prevention specialists, law enforcement, attorneys, advocates, and others working in child protection.

Ready to share your knowledge and inspire others? Submit your proposal on the Symposium website by September 14th on the Symposium website linked below.

CAC SPOTLIGHT

Beyond Talk Podcast - Bridging the Gap to Healing & Wholeness

For almost 35 years, Beyond Abuse has been a source of hope, healing, advocacy, and support for individuals and families impacted by sexual violence and child abuse. Serving Greenwood, Abbeville, Laurens, and Newberry counties, Beyond Abuse remains committed to work that is about more than responding to crisis—it is about creating pathways to healing and ensuring no survivor walks that journey alone.

So why has Beyond Abuse launched the Beyond Talk podcast? Deborah Parks, Executive Director of Beyond Abuse, explained:

“I believe every child deserves to feel safe, heard, and protected. I have seen firsthand the difference that hope, healing, and support can make in the lives of children and families. Beyond Talk is more than just a conversation—it is a commitment to the children whose voices deserve to be heard, the families searching for hope, and the survivors who carry stories of incredible courage and strength. The podcast is about breaking the silence, raising awareness, and reminding our community that each of us has a role in protecting children.”

Through the podcast, Beyond Abuse will share stories of resilience, hear from professionals and advocates, discuss prevention, and highlight the incredible work happening every day. The hope is that listeners feel informed, empowered, and inspired to recognize the signs, support survivors, and take action.

Preventing abuse is not the responsibility of one organization—it takes an entire community committed to listening, learning, speaking up, and standing together for children.

Click the button below for more information and tune in to Beyond Talk every second Tuesday of the month at 10:00 a.m.

CAC Employee Spotlight - Kemesha Lowery

For 25 years, Kemesha Lowery has been a dedicated and invaluable member of Palmetto Citizens Against Sexual Assault (PCASA), serving in numerous roles while making a lasting impact on countless children and families. As the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) Director and Lead Forensic Interviewer, she oversees daily operations, conducts forensic interviews with children who have experienced abuse, and leads multidisciplinary efforts to ensure victims receive compassionate, coordinated, and trauma-informed care.

Throughout her career, Kemesha has demonstrated exceptional leadership, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to child advocacy. Her expertise, compassion, and ability to build strong partnerships with law enforcement, healthcare providers, prosecutors, and community agencies have strengthened services for children across Lancaster, Chester, and Fairfield counties.

Her influence extends far beyond her job title. Through her knowledge, mentorship, and steadfast commitment to excellence, Kemesha has helped shape PCASA into the organization it is today.

Executive Director Faynette Waldrop shared, "We are truly honored and grateful to have had Kemesha as part of the PCASA family for 25 years. Her service, leadership, and passion for helping others have left an immeasurable mark on our organization and community, making her exceptionally deserving of recognition and celebration."

TRAININGS & EVENTS

Equipping Advocates for Effective Victim Support

The South Carolina Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers (SCNCAC) recently hosted its Initial Victim Service Provider (VSP) Training, bringing together new advocates from across the Carolinas for three days of learning, collaboration, and professional development. Held August 11–13, 2026, in the Columbia area, the training fulfills both National Children’s Alliance (NCA) Standards and South Carolina Victim Service Provider training requirements for newly hired advocates.

A total of 12 advocates participated from Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs) and multidisciplinary teams (MDTs). Throughout the training, participants explored the core principles of victim advocacy, engaged in interactive exercises and group discussions, and applied their learning through real-world case scenarios focused on supporting children and families affected by abuse.

Completion of the Initial VSP Training marks an important step in each participant’s professional journey, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to provide compassionate, trauma-informed services. SCNCAC is proud to support advocates through high-quality training opportunities, ongoing technical assistance, and collaborative partnerships that strengthen the Children's Advocacy Center movement throughout the Carolinas.

2026 Remaining Trainings & Events

Below is a list of upcoming events planned for the remainder of 2026. 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.

• September 2nd & 11th: 3rd Quarter Peer Review (virtual)
• September 23rd-25th: Child Sex Trafficking Forensic Interview Training (CST FIT)
• October 23rd: SCNCAC Membership Meeting (virtual)
• November 6th: Statewide Forensic Interviewer Forum
• December 11th: SCNCAC Annual Membership Meeting

For more information or to register, click the link below. 

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SCNCAC, PO Box 2195, Columbia, SC 29202