When a child tells someone they’ve been hurt, it is one of the bravest moments of their life. It can also leave adults feeling unsure, overwhelmed, and asking the same question: What do I do next?
In North Carolina, the answer is clear — and it’s rooted in protecting children.
You Are Required to Act
Every adult in North Carolina is a mandated reporter. If a child discloses abuse or you suspect abuse, you must report it to both law enforcement and your local Department of Social Services (DSS). This step is not about having all the answers; it’s about making sure the right professionals can step in to help. Learn more about reporting child abuse.
Making a report is the first step in ensuring a child’s safety and connecting them to the care they deserve.
What Happens After a Report?
After a report is made, a team of professionals begins working together to support the child. In many cases, the child will be referred to a Child Advocacy Center (CAC).
CACs are designed to be safe, welcoming spaces where children can share their experiences in a way that feels comfortable and supported. Instead of telling their story over and over, children typically participate in a forensic interview conducted by a trained professional.
Behind the scenes, a multidisciplinary team comes together, law enforcement, DSS, medical providers, mental health professionals, and advocates, working in coordination to ensure the child and their family receive the support they need.
This approach allows for:
- A more compassionate, child-centered experience
- Reduced trauma during the investigative process
- Access to critical services like therapy and medical care
- Ongoing advocacy and support for families
Healing Is Possible
A disclosure of abuse is never easy. But it is also a turning point.
It is the moment a child is no longer carrying their story alone. It is the moment a community can step in to protect, support, and begin the journey toward healing.
Through the work of Child Advocacy Centers across North Carolina, children and families are met with compassion, expertise, and a path forward.
Honoring CAC Day
This message is especially important as we recognize CAC Day, proclaimed as April 28 by Governor Josh Stein. It is a day to shine a light on the critical role CACs play in responding to abuse and helping children reclaim their futures.
Every report matters. Every response matters. And every child deserves the chance to heal.
