Children's Advocacy Centers of Virginia

09/14/2026

Strong MDTs do not happen by accident. They are built through trust, clear roles, shared decision-making, effective communication, and a commitment to continually improving the response for children and families.

Last week, professionals from across Virginia came together for Good to Great for MDTs, a multidisciplinary team training hosted by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services.

Led by Rebecca Simmons (Children’s Advocacy Centers of Virginia), Kayla Stultz (Christiansburg Police Department), and Jenna Foster (DCJS), the training focused on strengthening collaboration, communication, case review, and overall team functioning within child abuse multidisciplinary teams.

Attendees included law enforcement, child protective services, prosecutors, victim advocates, forensic medical professionals, mental health clinicians, and other MDT partners representing localities from throughout the Commonwealth.

We are grateful to Dept of Criminal Justice Svcs for investing in this work and to every participant who brought their experience, perspective, and commitment to making Virginia’s multidisciplinary response even stronger.

📷 Staunton Brand & Wedding Photographer | October Grace Media

09/04/2026

We’re incredibly grateful to Uno Translation Services and Communications for their generous support of the Justice in Action Conference.

The dedicated team at UNO combines expert linguists, creative professionals, and project leaders who are passionate about delivering premier language and multimedia services from the heart.

More than a translation provider, UNO understands the unique demands of child abuse investigations and the multidisciplinary team response. Their credentialed professionals help ensure every child, family, and professional can communicate with accuracy, compassion, and confidence, because when every word matters, language should never be a barrier to justice.

Thank you for helping us bring this community togther and continue 17 years of impact.

08/31/2026

It takes partners who believe in this work to make Justice in Action possible.

We’re incredibly grateful to the Sam & Marion Golden Foundation for their generous support of this year’s conference.

Their investment helps create opportunities for multidisciplinary professionals to learn from leading experts, strengthen partnerships, and return to their communities with knowledge and tools that can make a meaningful difference for children and families.

Thank you for helping us bring this community togther and continue 17 years of impact.

08/28/2026

On August 18th, CACVA joined partners from across Virginia’s child protection system for the Virginia Commission on Youth. The Youth Advisory Group meeting focused on how the Commonwealth funds and supports Children’s Advocacy Centers.

The conversation brought together CAC leaders, state and local government, legislators, Child Protection Services, law enforcement, medical professionals, prosecutors, advocates, court representatives, policy and fiscal staff, and importantly, the lived experience of a family who received CAC services.

Together, the group reviewed and provided feedback on 18 draft recommendations aimed at strengthening Virginia’s CAC system.

There’s much more to this conversation. Follow along as we share what Virginia is considering and why it matters for children and families.

📷 Staunton Brand & Wedding Photographer | October Grace Media

08/24/2026

Who is a hero for children in your community?

Nominations are now open for the 2026 CACVA Hero Awards, recognizing the individuals and multidisciplinary teams whose dedication helps protect children and support healing across Virginia.

🏆 Seven award categories
📅 Nominations due by September 9th
📍 Awards presented at the Justice in Action Conference in Virginia Beach, October 28th - 30th

CAC Staff, board members, and MDT members are invited to nominate the people and teams making a difference every day.

📷 Staunton Brand & Wedding Photographer | October Grace Media

08/19/2026

Back-to-school conversations aren’t just about backpacks and new routines.

Join The Mama Bear Effect and Bloom Safe for a FREE virtual Children’s Book Author Panel exploring how children’s literature can help families and professionals start age-appropriate conversations about body safety and prevention.

📅 Thursday, August 20th
⏰ 7:00 p.m.
💻 Zoom | FREE & open to all

Hear from authors Adrianne Simeone, Kimberly King, Steve Simons, Diane Tarantini, and Patrice Griffin, followed by an audience Q&A.

Perfect for parents, caregivers, educators, and anyone who works with children.

📚 Registration is required: tinyurl.com/BloomSafe
💻 Learn more about The Mama Bear Effect ➡️ themamabeareffect.org

08/17/2026

Today, on National Nonprofit Day, we’re celebrating the people across Virginia who show up every day with one shared purpose: keeping children safe.

To the nonprofits, advocates, law enforcement partners, mental health professionals, child welfare teams, medical providers, volunteers, and community organizations doing this incredibly important work, thank you. Protecting children takes all of us, and we’re grateful to stand alongside you.

And to the 19 Children’s Advocacy Centers across Virginia, an especially heartfelt thank you 💙

You create safe places for children to be heard. You support families through some of their most difficult days. You bring professionals together around one table. You advocate, educate, comfort, and keep showing up, even when the work is hard.

We see your dedication. We know the heart behind this work. And we are incredibly proud to support you.

Today, we celebrate all of you who work tirelessly to protect children and help them begin to heal.

📷 Staunton Brand & Wedding Photographer | October Grace Media

08/14/2026

Does your organization provide products, services, training, or technology that support child advocacy, child protection, child welfare, forensic interviewing, or victim services?

Join us as an exhibitor or vendor at the 17th Annual Justice in Action: Virginia’s Conference on Child Abuse & Exploitation, taking place October 28th – 30th in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

We’re seeking exhibitors whose work supports Children’s Advocacy Centers, law enforcement, child welfare professionals, prosecutors, forensic interviewers, forensic medical providers, mental health professionals, victim advocates, prevention programs, and organizations serving children and families.

This is your opportunity to showcase your organization, build valuable connections, and meet 400+ professionals from across Virginia who are committed to protecting children, supporting families, and strengthening communities.

🔗 Reserve your space: https://forms.gle/JDBW9vGttK62b4hZA

08/12/2026

Thank you for this great resource!

The forensic interview is one of the few moments your MDT is together in the same place at the same time. Are you making the most of it?

Watch our "Come Prepared and Leave In Sync" recorded webinar today to explore simple, practical strategies for structuring pre- and post-forensic interview discussions that strengthen collaboration, clarify roles, and keep your team aligned.

Because when teams come prepared—and leave in sync—children and families benefit. 💙

Access on our website: https://www.srcac.org/training/leave-in-sync/

08/07/2026

This week, CACVA had the privilege of taking members of the Commission on Youth to another site visit, this time at the Prince William County Child Advocacy Center.

This center is truly small but mighty, demonstrating how dedicated multidisciplinary teams, strong community partnerships, and unwavering commitment can create life-changing outcomes for children and families.

We were honored to welcome Senator Barbara Favola, Delegate Margaret Franklin, and Delegate Karrie Delaney’s Chief of Staff, Jackie Garry. We were especially grateful to Delegate Franklin, whose support, when she served on the Prince William County Board of Supervisors, helped make this CAC a reality. That investment continues to make a lasting difference for children and families in Prince William County.

These visits are about more than touring a building; they’re about connecting policymakers with the people, stories, and systems that protect children and support healing. When legislators see this work firsthand, they gain a clearer understanding of why Children’s Advocacy Centers are essential infrastructure for child protection in Virginia.

We’re grateful to the Prince William County CAC team for opening their doors and sharing their incredible work. Together, we’re strengthening relationships, building champions for children, and creating meaningful change with one conversation, one visit, and one legislator at a time.