Dorchester Children’s Center is a 501c3 non-profit organization serving abused and neglected children and their families from Dorchester County and parts of Berkeley and Charleston Counties. Dorchester Children’s Center works in collaboration with law enforcement, DSS, Guardian Ad Litems, Mental Health and other agencies involved in caring for abused and neglected children in our community. As a child advocacy center we work together with all involved agencies for the investigation, prosecution and treatment of child abuse. We work with children who may have experienced any type of abuse or neglect, such as; physical abuse, sexual abuse, child neglect (physical/medical/educational), emotional abuse, drug endangerment, witness to domestic violence, and safety precaution (threat of harm). With all agencies coming together in one location to investigate the situation it helps prevent further trauma to the child. Frequently Asked Questions:
-What is a Child Advocacy Center (CAC)? A CAC is a place that provides a child-friendly, safe and neutral location in which law enforcement and Child Protective Services investigators can have a child forensically interviewed when he/she is an alleged victim of crimes. Additionally, a CAC is where the child and non-offending family members receive support, crisis intervention, and referrals for mental health and medical treatment after experiencing child abuse.
-How much does it cost for a child to be seen at DCC? No child or family ever pays for the services the staff at DCC provides.
-How many Child Advocacy Centers are there? There are 17 CACs in South Carolina, and over 1,000 CACs across the United States
-How many children have you seen? Since opening our doors in 2003 we have seen over 15,000 children.
