Many children and families impacted by abuse and neglect face additional barriers to services: lack of transportation, geographic isolation, inability to take time off of work, cultural and social norms, and victim-offender relationship. With our Multidisciplinary Teams, Lotus is launching a children’s advocacy center (CAC) mobile unit to expand access to safety, healing, and justice for children and families in the Purchase Area.
As the first of its kind in Kentucky, our CAC Mobile Unit innovates our outreach services by meeting children and families where they are.
This blueprint shows the design of our CAC Mobile Unit, specifically designed to meet the needs of child abuse victims and their families.
The CAC Mobile Unit will allow Lotus and our multidisciplinary team partners to provide:
- forensic interviews in a child-friendly environment,
- specialized medical examinations,
- family and legal advocacy,
- mental health services, and
- education and resources on victims’ rights and compensation.
Research demonstrates child victims who receive forensic services will be more likely to receive specialized medical and mental health care. Caregivers feel more connected to family advocates and are more likely to become engaged in the recovery process of their children. With this type of specialized and comprehensive intervention, victims of abuse are better able to handle crises and have fewer negative long-term effects.
The CAC Mobile Unit, pictured above, is projected to be completed by the end of the year.
Our CAC Mobile Unit is made possible with funding from Kentucky’s Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) and generous support from the Ray & Kay Eckstein Charitable Trust and the Charity League of Paducah Ethel Dubois Smith Fund. Pictured below are representatives of the Charity League, Lotus, and community partners.
(Left to right) Brittany Speicher, McCracken County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office; Megan Meade, Lotus; Jamie Mills, McCracken County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office; Magen Tinsley, Charity League of Paducah; Chuck Walter, McCracken County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office; Lori Wells Brown, Lotus; Grace Stewart, Lotus; Caroline Glynn Neal, Lotus.
Stay tuned for more information about our CAC Mobile Unit—coming soon!
