About MCCAC > History and Mission
History and Mission
History
The Macon County Child Advocacy Center was established in July of 1999 from the cumulative effort of law enforcement, child protection, judicial system personnel, medical and mental health professionals, school system personnel and social service providers. This group known as the Macon County Child Abuse Advisory Board, worked together for nine (9) years exploring other Centers and resources before applying for and securing funding to establish a Center in Macon County.
With funding secured, a Governing Board was formed to oversee the Macon County Child Advocacy Center. Written policies were developed, facility site chosen and staff were hired. The Center officially opened on July 18, 1999. With Stacy Spence as Executive Director, Michelle Hotwick as Victim Advocate and Case Coordinator and Tiffany Jess as part time Administrative Assistant, the Center began serving child victims and their families at 345 W. Prairie St in Decatur. By August 2001, the CAC needed more office space and additional interview space and the Center moved across the parking lot to a larger rental space at 164 N. Edward St.
In February, 2002 Jean Moore became Executive Director, and after many staff changes, program expansion, and the addition of a Safe from the Start project, the Center functions with 5 full time staff and 1 part time administrative assistant. The core CAC services are provided to approximately 175 child abuse victims in Macon and Piatt Counties, and 300 children exposed to violence in Macon and Piatt Counties. In addition to the director, the CAC Staff are Michelle Welker, Advocate and Case Coordinator, Pam Burkhart, Safe from the Start Project Coordinator, Alison Elsea, SFS Case Manager, Marti Birch, Children’s Therapist, Penny Rigg, Administrative Assistant. The Center functions under the Macon County State’s Attorney’s office through funding provided by the Illinois Dept. of Children and Family Services, the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, National Children’s Alliance, Macon County Mental Health Board, and the Illinois Violence Prevention Authority. The Center operates under an advisory board of 8 members, and the additional financial support of a 501 (C)3 Friends organization.
Our Mission
The mission of the Center is to minimize the trauma experienced by child victims and witnesses of sexual and physical abuse and other crimes of violence and to provide support and coordination for these children and their non-offending family members throughout any consequent proceedings within the criminal justice system in Macon and Piatt Counties.
