Franklin-Williamson Child Advocacy Center

Franklin-Williamson Child Advocacy Center The FWCAC serves children up to the age of 18 who have been reported to be victims of abuse.

The CAC is a safe and child friendly-facility that is used for forensic interviews when a child (0 - 18 years) discloses sexual or severe physical abuse. Child advocacy staff assist in coordinating the investigations within a multi-disciplinary team context. Services include forensic interviewing, case management, and criminal court advocacy.

June is Internet Safety Month, and the ICAC Task Force is encouraging families to remember "PAWS: Think Twice!" This kid...
06/11/2026

June is Internet Safety Month, and the ICAC Task Force is encouraging families to remember "PAWS: Think Twice!" This kid-friendly acronym serves as a reminder of important steps children can take to stay safe in the digital world.

P – Private Info Stays Private
A – Alert a Trusted Adult
W – Walk Away from Uncomfortable Situations
S – Screen Your Friends

ICAC has many great resources, both for parents and children! Check them out here 👉 https://icactaskforce.org/internetsafety

There's been a lot of behind the scenes work going on as the Downstate Committee has been working on plans for the 32nd ...
06/10/2026

There's been a lot of behind the scenes work going on as the Downstate Committee has been working on plans for the 32nd Annual Downstate Conference on Child Abuse!

The speaker list and sessions are finalized, so make sure you follow the conference page -- an exciting announcement about the keynote speaker was shared today!! 👀

In our anonymous Youth Feedback Survey, children are asked, "What did you like about the Center?"One child shared the be...
06/09/2026

In our anonymous Youth Feedback Survey, children are asked, "What did you like about the Center?"

One child shared the below feedback. 👇💙

When a child feels that someone truly cares about them and their story, it can make a lasting difference during a difficult time. We are grateful for the opportunity to provide a safe, child-focused environment where children know their voices matter.

As children spend more time at camps, activities, and with extended caregivers during the summer, one of the most import...
06/09/2026

As children spend more time at camps, activities, and with extended caregivers during the summer, one of the most important protections we can offer is clarity.

Children should know:

☀ Who their trusted adults are
☀ Where they can go for help
☀ That they will be believed when they speak up

When children know who their safe people are, they carry a different type of confidence with them wherever they go.

This summer, take a moment to help the children in your life identify their safe circle.

It's officially June, schools are out, and summer break is here! ☀️ For children, however, summer can also mean changing...
06/01/2026

It's officially June, schools are out, and summer break is here! ☀️

For children, however, summer can also mean changing routines, different caregivers, and time away from trusted teachers and school staff.

Schedules are shifting, but a child's need for connection is not.

Consistent moments like a morning check-in, a predictable ride to camp, or a familiar bedtime routine can help children feel a sense of security, even in a busy season full of change.

This summer, we encourage caregivers to hold onto small, steady routines that help children feel safe, supported, and secure.

Today, Kyllah, our MDT Coordinator/Forensic Interviewer, celebrates FOUR years with the FWCAC!! 🥳 We are grateful for th...
05/31/2026

Today, Kyllah, our MDT Coordinator/Forensic Interviewer, celebrates FOUR years with the FWCAC!! 🥳 We are grateful for the way Kyllah leads our team, checks in on others, and walks with kids through some of the hardest moments.

As of this week, Kyllah has conducted 599 forensic interviews. 💙 What an impact she has made for the children we serve and our community as a whole over her last four years!

Please join us in taking a moment to congratulate Kyllah and thank her for her dedication to this hard work. ✨

The rain and sunshine have our flowers blooming this week ☀️🌧️ Taking a moment to stop and appreciate the little things...
05/27/2026

The rain and sunshine have our flowers blooming this week ☀️🌧️ Taking a moment to stop and appreciate the little things in life as we’re halfway through the week. 🌼

💚 Trauma-Informed Tuesday 💙Healing is a critical part of the journey. And that journey looks different for every child.A...
05/26/2026

💚 Trauma-Informed Tuesday 💙

Healing is a critical part of the journey. And that journey looks different for every child.

At the FWCAC, our therapists are specially trained in evidence-based approaches like Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

These therapies are designed to help children process trauma, build coping skills, and move forward in a safe and supported way.

Responding to trauma is an important step in being trauma-informed, but we're grateful for our two Therapists who are directly working in ways to help children heal from it.

The FWCAC is closed today. Please take a moment to remember and honor those who have served. 🇺🇸❤️🤍💙 We are grateful for ...
05/25/2026

The FWCAC is closed today. Please take a moment to remember and honor those who have served. 🇺🇸❤️🤍💙 We are grateful for their service and sacrifice.

Today, we’re talking about Adverse Childhood Experiences, commonly referred to as "ACEs". 🧠💚ACEs are potentially traumat...
05/21/2026

Today, we’re talking about Adverse Childhood Experiences, commonly referred to as "ACEs". 🧠💚

ACEs are potentially traumatic experiences that happen during childhood, like abuse, neglect, violence, or growing up in an environment affected by substance use or mental health struggles.

These experiences can impact a child’s emotional, physical, and mental health. But, at the CAC, we know ACEs are not the end of a child’s story.

We understand that trauma can affect how children think, feel, behave, communicate, and respond to stressful situations. Instead of asking, “What’s wrong with this child?” trauma-informed care asks, “What has this child experienced, and how can we support them?”

Through coordinated investigations, advocacy, supportive relationships, and specialized mental health services, CACs help create stability, safety, and connection. These are all protective factors that can help children heal and build resilience over time. 💙

Address

501 S 14th Street
Herrin, IL
62948

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4pm
Friday 8:30am - 4pm

Telephone

+16189423800

Website

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