Cooper-Anthony Mercy Child Advocacy Center (CAMCAC) was founded in Hot Springs by Mercy in 2003, followed by satellite centers in Saline and Polk Counties. CAMCAC is one of 17 CACs in the state of Arkansas. In 2012, CAMCAC was awarded the highest level of membership with the National Children’s Alliance, the accrediting agency for CACs. All of CAMCAC’s services are free.
Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) were formed to provide a safe, child-friendly environment where a comprehensive and coordinated approach is taken in response to allegations of child abuse. At a CAC, a child can receive advocacy, forensic interviews, medical exams and trauma-based therapy. Prevention and community awareness are also provided.
Executive Director Tracey Childress has been with CAMCAC since 2005 and came on board as the only forensic interviewer. In her career, she has interviewed over 6,000 children and is considered an expert witness across the country in child abuse cases. “Our mission has become even more important during this pandemic because when schools implemented remote learning, children were forced into isolation, and signs of abuse went undetected,” says Tracey Childress. “As in-person learning resumes in schools, we expect reported cases to continue to grow, and our staff will be here to help – as we always are.”
The Cooper-Anthony Mercy Child Advocacy Center (CAMCAC) will hold its annual Child Abuse Awareness Rallies virtually in Benton on April 16 and Hot Springs on April 30. The rally is a way to highlight Child Abuse Awareness Month and honor those who serve on the front line in the war against child abuse. CAMCAC will recognize one worker for outstanding service to children with the “Patrick McCruden Superhero Award.” This community-wide event will feature the First Lady of Arkansas Susan Hutchinson as well as the Mount St. Mary Academy choir.
216 McAuley Court – Hot Springs AR 71913
(501) 622-2531 | mercy.net/practice/cooper-anthony-mercy-child-advocacy-center-hot-springs/
