Children's Advocacy Center of Highlands Community Services

06/10/2026

We are incredibly grateful to announce that Ballad Health has donated $65,000 to the Children’s Advocacy Center at Highlands Community Services.

This generous contribution supports our Victim Support Navigator Program, ensuring that any child and his or her caregivers who present at our local hospitals for a sexual assault examination have access to a specially trained advocate during one of the most difficult moments of their lives.

Our Navigators walk alongside families every step of the way — providing emotional support, guidance, and referrals to critical services offered through the Children’s Advocacy Center and other community agencies.

Because of partnerships like this, children and families in our region will continue to receive compassionate, trauma-informed care when they need it most.

Thank you, Ballad Health , for your commitment to protecting and supporting the children and families of our community. 💙

06/10/2026

Big shout out to Ballad Health for their partnership and support!

Together with the Children's Advocacy Center of Highlands Community Services (CAC), we are committed to helping children and families access the support and resources they need.

To support this important work, we have donated $65,000 to the Children’s Advocacy Center.

Through its partnership with Ballad Health’s Forensic Nurse program, the center offers a victim support navigator who assists child victims and their caregivers during forensic medical exams and helps connect families with critical services and resources.

In addition to specialized forensic interviews for children who are known or suspected victims of abuse, the Children’s Advocacy Center provides trauma-focused therapy, court education and accompaniment, and multidisciplinary case review and coordination services for children in Bristol and throughout Washington, Smyth and Bland counties.

“When our kids need hospital-based emergency care, we know that our colleagues at Ballad Health will provide the highest level of care. It’s been very exciting to see this collaboration continue to grow,” said Kathi Roark, CAC program director.

We are grateful for this partnership and the meaningful impact it has on children and families across our region!

04/17/2026

💙 April is Child Abuse Prevention Month 💙 and we were so proud to take part in our Pinwheel Planting! 🌼🌀

Pinwheels are a symbol of the happy, healthy, and carefree childhood every child deserves 💙 By planting them, we are helping raise awareness, inspire prevention, and remind our community that we all have a part to play in protecting children 🧒👧🌟

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us as we continue to be Champions 4 Children 🦸‍♂️🦸‍♀️💙 Together, we can plant seeds of hope, healing, and safety for every child 🌱✨

04/02/2026

04/01/2026

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month 💙

Every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and protected. This month, we join together to raise awareness, support families, and help build brighter futures for children in our community.

Prevention starts with all of us. By working together, we can create safe, supportive environments where every child has the opportunity to thrive.

03/25/2026

At last night’s City Council meeting the Council approved a proclamation designating April as child abuse prevention month; receiving the proclamation was Kathryn Roark with the Children’s Advocacy Center of Highlands Community Services.

02/03/2026

It absolutely matters!

Visibility Matters. 💙

On Wednesday, February 4, we’re asking everyone to wear blue to show our shared commitment to preventing and ending child abuse across Virginia. When we stand together, our message is stronger but we need to turn that visibility into action.

How you can help today: Children’s Advocacy Centers need your voice to secure vital funding. Please contact your representatives and ask for their support on these specific budget items:

Call your Senator: Ask them to support Budget Amendment 335 .

Call your Delegate: Ask them to support Budget Items 335 , , and .

📍 Not sure who your legislators are?
Find them quickly by entering your address here: https://whosmy.virginiageneralassembly.gov/

Let’s make sure Virginia’s children have the support they deserve. 🟦

11/12/2025

CAC forensic interviewer and HCS mental health clinician, David Brooks, representing our CAC and agency on a panel presentation at the CACVA 16th Annual Crimes Against Children Conference!

11/05/2025

Our Forensic Nurses are the best- compassionate, skilled and caring!!

🩺Happy Forensic Nurses Week! ⚖️

This week, we celebrate the incredible Forensic Nurses who play a critical role on our multidiscplinary teams by combining compassion with expertise to care for victims of violence and trauma.

Your work bridges the worlds of healthcare and justice- providing healing, hope, and a voice for those who need it most.

Thank you for your dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to supporting survivors and strengthening our communities. 💙

10/05/2025