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Departments

Administration

The Administration Department serves as the backbone of the Children’s Advocacy Center, providing essential support and coordination to ensure smooth operations across all areas. From managing finances and human resources to overseeing strategic planning and organizational development, this department ensures that the center remains effective, efficient, and responsive to the needs of the community.

Latest Updates

Admin Department Update March 2024

Executive Director “Be the change you want to see!” Tammi Pitzen Continuing the Vision: A Message from Our Executive Director Dear Community Members,  As we reflect on the past year, I am filled with gratitude for the resilience and dedication our team has shown in providing essential services to children and families affected by abuse. Our unwavering commitment to ensuring that every child in our community who experiences abuse receives the comprehensive care and support they deserve has never been stronger.  A cornerstone of the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) is our forensic interviewing service. Our interviewers, trained in developmentally appropriate techniques, conduct interviews with children who have faced abuse. These interviews are vital for gathering crucial information in a manner that is both accurate and sensitive, aimed at minimizing additional trauma to the child.  Beyond forensic interviewing, our suite of support services encompasses advocacy, mental health counseling, medical evaluations, and connections to other community resources. Our holistic approach is designed to meet the physical, emotional, and psychological needs of the children we serve, ensuring they receive the comprehensive care necessary for healing and recovery.  In 2023, we provided over 5,000 services to 620 children, a testament to our ongoing commitment

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Latest Updates

Intake Department Update March 2024

The Family Support Team is launching a new initiative The Children’s Advocacy Center Of Jackson County’s Intake Department conducts forensic interviews and provides support services through the Family Support Team.  The Family Support Team is launching a new initiative in March aimed at engaging the youth we serve and their non-offending caregivers early in CAC treatment services. The Early Engagement Enhancement or E3 is a screening tool that  will be administered through our Family Support Case Managers. This screening process recognizes that families in crisis are overwhelmed.  Most caregivers do not understand how treatment can benefit their child in their recovery process.  By engaging caregivers early in the investigative process, this project aims at increasing access to  and engagement in appropriate, trauma informed, evidenced based treatment.  In a collaborative effort with our Therapy Department we started the Parent Academy. Parent Academy is a six week psycho-educational group.  We have completed the first year of offering the academy to parents to learn about recognizing and responding to trauma, and add tools to their toolbox to assist in their child’s healing process.  This year we are hoping to offer the Parent Academy more frequently. Share This Update

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Intake

The Intake Department serves as the first point of contact for children and families seeking services at the Children’s Advocacy Center. Compassionate and skilled professionals in this department conduct initial interviews, assess needs, and coordinate the intake process with sensitivity and care. They guide families through the initial steps of receiving support and connect them with appropriate resources within the center and the community

Medical

The Medical Department at the Children’s Advocacy Center provides comprehensive medical evaluations and services to children who have experienced abuse or trauma. Staffed by experienced medical professionals specializing in pediatric care, this department ensures that children receive timely and thorough medical assessments in a safe and supportive environment. Their expertise plays a crucial role in addressing the physical health needs of children while also supporting their overall healing and well-being.

Latest Updates

Medical Department Update March 2024

Welcomes New Physician and Expands Services The CAC Medical Department is excited to announce the addition of Shireen Chamberland, MD to our team! Dr. Chamberland is a Family Medicine Physician and Southern Oregon native who has been practicing medicine in the Rogue Valley for almost 20 years. Dr. Chamberland brings with her years of clinical experience caring for children and young adults, along with a sincere passion for helping vulnerable children. She is deeply invested in our community, while parenting her four children, and coaching youth swimming. Dr. Natalya Miller will be relocating out of Oregon with her family this June but plans to remain in the role of CACJC Medical Director, working virtually alongside Dr. Chamberland to provide a consistent, coordinated, evidenced-based approach to child maltreatment cases.   In addition to expanding our Medical Team, the CACJC Pediatric Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (PSANE) Program will be extending coverage to Asante Three Rivers Medical Center (ATRMC) in Grants Pass, OR. In partnership with the Asante Foundation, our team in Jackson County has been working closely with the physician leaders at ATRMC to make this possible. Our PSANE program, comprised of eight forensic nurses, has been responding to acute child sexual abuse

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Latest Updates

Therapy Department Update March 2024

Empowering Healing: Insights into CACJC’s Therapy Department At the Children Advocacy Center of Jackson County (CACJC), the heart of our mission lies in fostering support and healing to children who have faced trauma. Central to our mission is the Therapy Department, a team uniquely equipped to address the multifaceted needs of children and their caregivers following traumatic experiences, particularly those related to abuse.  Led by a dedicated team comprising therapists Andrew Fallman, Gaile Friend, Catherine Zern, therapy assistant Debbie Donahue, and the comforting presence of Fancy, the CAC Facility/Therapy Dog, our department is a haven for healing. We are committed to employing evidence-based, best practice treatments that have been rigorously normed and validated on abuse survivors, receiving endorsement from the National Children’s Alliance.  Our therapeutic journey begins with an in-depth, multi-session assessment that incorporates a variety of measures and interviews with both the child and their caregivers. This critical first step allows us to gather a holistic view of the child’s current state, including their symptoms, strengths, historical background, and specific needs, setting the stage for a personalized healing strategy.  A key element of our therapeutic approach is Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT), a model developed by Judith Cohen,

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Therapy

The Therapy Department offers specialized mental health services to children and families impacted by abuse or trauma. Licensed therapists provide evidence-based therapy techniques tailored to meet the unique needs of each child, helping them process their experiences, build coping skills, and regain a sense of safety and empowerment. Through individual therapy, group sessions, and family counseling, this department fosters healing and resilience for children and families on their journey toward recovery.

Community Engagement

The Community Engagement Department focuses on raising awareness, providing education, and implementing prevention initiatives to address and mitigate child abuse within the community. Through outreach programs, training sessions, and collaboration with schools, organizations, and community partners, this department works to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools to recognize, respond to, and prevent child abuse. By engaging with the community proactively, they strive to create a safer and more protective environment for all children in Jackson County.

Latest Updates

Made In Southern Oregon Street Fair: Spring 2024

On May 11th, 2024, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Jackson County had the privilege of participating in the Made in Southern Oregon Street Fair held in Central Point. It was an exciting opportunity for us to connect with our community and raise awareness for our cause, and we are thrilled to share our experience with you. From the moment we set up our booth, we were greeted with enthusiasm and warmth from attendees. The vibrant atmosphere of the street fair provided the perfect backdrop for engaging conversations and meaningful interactions. We had the chance to connect with a diverse range of people, from local residents to visitors from neighboring communities, all united in their support for our mission. Throughout the day, we had the opportunity to share information about the important work of the Children’s Advocacy Center and the services we provide to child abuse victims and their families. We discussed the prevalence of child abuse in our community, the impact it has on young lives, and the crucial role that each individual can play in preventing and addressing this issue. One of the highlights of the event was the opportunity to hear from members of our community who shared

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Community Engagement Department Update March 2024

Building Bridges: The Vital Role of Outreach and Community Engagement at the Children’s Advocacy Center The Children’s Advocacy Center of Jackson County (CACJC) goes beyond providing critical services for abused children; we aim to create meaningful connections with the communities we serve. Our outreach and community engagement initiatives play a crucial role in amplifying our impact and building a support network vital for the children and families we assist.  These efforts are central to our mission, helping us bridge gaps and foster trust within the community. By reaching out to various groups and partners—including local schools, healthcare providers, law enforcement, and civic organizations—we make our services more accessible and inclusive, ensuring a supportive system for children in need.  The significance of our outreach and community engagement cannot be overstated. It enables early intervention and prevention by increasing awareness of child abuse and neglect. Engaging the community helps empower individuals to recognize and respond to signs of abuse, playing a key role in protecting vulnerable children.  Moreover, involving community members in volunteering, fundraising, or advocacy creates a sense of shared purpose. These connections bolster our resources and amplify our advocacy for policies that enhance child protection.  Our initiatives also foster collaboration

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