Foothills Children's Advocacy Center

Foothills Children's Advocacy Center Foothills is a one-stop child-friendly facility for children and families to help reduce trauma and begin healing.

We walk alongside children and their families to promote healing when there are concerns of sexual abuse, severe physical abuse, human trafficking, or those who have witnessed violence. When a report of abuse or victimization is submitted to Law Enforcement or the Department of Social Services, they schedule an appointment for the child with a Forensic Interviewer at Foothills CAC. Children also r

eceive forensic medical exams and mental health counseling at Foothills, where Family Advocates assist caregivers.

Trust falls were too easy, apparently. So last summer's staff training involved blindfolds...and running??There may have...
06/04/2026

Trust falls were too easy, apparently.

So last summer's staff training involved blindfolds...and running??

There may have been confusion, ill-advised navigation choices, some children's playground equipment scaled...and there may have been a few moments where we wondered if we were headed directly into a wall.

But there was also trust, communication, and teamwork. We're grateful for opportunities to step away from our daily work, strengthen our connections, and remember that none of us does this work alone.

📸 Throwback to last summer's staff training. Photos thanks to October Grace Media

A child may look to a coach for guidance, but they still need trusted adults looking out for their safety: guidance coun...
06/02/2026

A child may look to a coach for guidance, but they still need trusted adults looking out for their safety: guidance counselors, teachers, family members, neighbors, faith leaders - YOU.

We're proud to share resources from the National Children's Alliance campaign, which reminds all of us that protecting children is a community responsibility. If something doesn't feel right, trust your instincts. Ask questions. Speak up.

HOW do you report? Learn more here: https://www.dss.virginia.gov/supporting-families/child-protective-services/report-abuse/mandated-reports-training/

Because keeping children safe is everyone's business.

05/29/2026

An oldie but a goodie that describes, so well, what we do!

In April, Foothills CAC hosted a Multi-disciplinary Team (MDT) Orientation, bringing together professionals and partners...
05/28/2026

In April, Foothills CAC hosted a Multi-disciplinary Team (MDT) Orientation, bringing together professionals and partners from across our region who work collaboratively to support children and families impacted by abuse.

The MDT model creates a “one-stop” location where agencies can coordinate medical, legal, mental health, and advocacy needs in a trauma-informed way. By working together, children and caregivers experience fewer repeated interviews and less systemic trauma during investigations.

Virginia law requires MDT collaboration in child sexual abuse investigations, and we’re grateful to work alongside law enforcement, social services, prosecutors, medical providers, victim advocates, Piedmont CASA - Charlottesville, ReadyKids, Region Ten CSB, Sexual Assault Resource Agency, and many other community partners across our service region.

Thank you to everyone who attended and to the dedicated professionals who continue this work every day. We are looking forward to holding these quarterly to best serve children and families in our region!

Last month, Foothills’ Director of MDT Services, CT Moulton, was invited to facilitate training modules at the Virginia ...
05/14/2026

Last month, Foothills’ Director of MDT Services, CT Moulton, was invited to facilitate training modules at the Virginia ChildFirst Forensic Interview Training in Arlington which is a rigorous, week-long training for law enforcement, child protective services, and forensic interviewers focused on best practices in interviewing children who may have experienced abuse developed by the Zero Abuse Project.

Participants in ChildFirst complete role-play interviews, written exams, and hands-on practice before they are certified to conduct forensic interviews with the goal of seeing that children are met with professionalism, care, and evidence-based practices during incredibly difficult moments.

Reflecting on the experience, CT shared how meaningful it was to work with professionals who continue to show up, learn, and strengthen their skills in service of children and families.

“This work — protecting children, getting it right, making sure the process itself does not become another thing a child has to survive — is some of the most important work that exists.”

We are proud to have CT on the team and grateful for the many professionals who dedicate themselves to this work every day.

Learn more about Virginia ChildFirst training through the Children's Advocacy Centers of Virginia.

Photo credit: October Grace Media.

Thank you to Sedona Taphouse for raising $1,490 for us in March and April during the Dine Out for Charity event! We appr...
05/07/2026

Thank you to Sedona Taphouse for raising $1,490 for us in March and April during the Dine Out for Charity event! We appreciate you!

Collaboration matters, especially when nonprofits come together around a shared mission đź’™ We're grateful to celebrate th...
04/29/2026

Collaboration matters, especially when nonprofits come together around a shared mission đź’™

We're grateful to celebrate the collaboration between Foothills Children's Advocacy Center and Sexual Assault Resource Agency during Child Abuse Prevention Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Together, we recognize the importance of partnership in advancing prevention, supporting healing, and raising awareness in our community. We're grateful for partnerships that deepen support for children, families, and survivors, and strengthen our communities in the process.

If you missed the joint open house, there are still ways to engage. Learn more about our mission, share our work, and help strengthen prevention efforts in our community.

đź“·

We’re so grateful for a wonderful luncheon with the ReadyKids team and fellow nonprofit partners, all working together t...
04/23/2026

We’re so grateful for a wonderful luncheon with the ReadyKids team and fellow nonprofit partners, all working together to support children in our community. Our CEO, Sherri McKinney, shared a powerful reminder that keeping children safe is a shared responsibility. Thank you for having us, ReadyKids!

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. đź’™At Foothills Children's Advocacy Center, prevention begins with awareness, educa...
04/15/2026

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. đź’™

At Foothills Children's Advocacy Center, prevention begins with awareness, education, and a community that knows how to respond.

In a recent community conversation, our CEO Sherri McKinney shares what to look for when a child may be experiencing abuse, along with how Foothills supports children and families through trauma-informed care. Some signs to be aware of can include sudden changes in behavior, withdrawal, regression, or unexplained injuries. Watch the full interview here: https://bit.ly/41AGCyU

She also speaks about our collaboration with Sexual Assault Resource Agency and the importance of working together to support children and families across our region.

We invite you to join us for our Open House with SARA on Tuesday, April 21 from 4–6 PM to learn more about this work and how you can be part of a safer, more supportive community. RSVP HERE: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/together-in-bloom-foothills-and-sara

Please share, and we will see you at the open house!

Steak, chicken and salmon teamwork makes the dreamwork! Our team had a great dinner at Sedona Taphouse last night as the...
04/14/2026

Steak, chicken and salmon teamwork makes the dreamwork! Our team had a great dinner at Sedona Taphouse last night as the Monday evening dine out for charity dinners continue. We've got two more left in April, so get out there and enjoy the grub while supporting Foothills!

Address

154 Hansen Road, Suite 201
Charlottesville, VA
22911

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+14349717233

Website

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