- We provide a comfortable, child-friendly environment to talk with kids.
- We coordinate investigations so agencies work together in child abuse cases.
- We help victims and families find the support they need throuhout the process.
Your Visit to Paulding CAC
The Law Enforcement (LE) or Dept. Of Family Services (DFCS) agency working with your family will schedule an appointment on your behalf. When you come to Paulding CAC, an interviewer will meet with you to gather background information and explain the process of speaking with your child.
After speaking with your child, the interviewer will again meet with you to discuss the outcome, discuss 'next-step' options, and answer any questions you may have. LE/DFCS will also be present to discuss their 'next steps' plans and, of course, answer any of your questions.
For more information about the process, click the tiles below. The information has tabs directed towards kids, and tabs directed towards caregivers. We encourage you to review this information and share it with your child. This information can help put kids more at-ease about coming to Paulding CAC.
Click the tabs to continue reading...
Children in the video are actors.
Information for Kids
When you come to Paulding CAC, the first thing you'll do is hangout in one of our playrooms. We have a playroom for younger kids. We also have a playroom for older kids and teens. You can hangout in whichever room you prefer. One of our waiting rooms has a TV where you can watch movies.
Information for Caregivers
Before talking with your child, the team working with you and your family will speak with you. They will gather background information about your child and situation. They will also briefly explain the interviewing process and answer any questions you might have.
Children in the video are actors.
Information for Kids
After you're in our playroom for a while, somebody from Paulding CAC will meet with you. They'll talk with you to see what you like to do for fun, learn more about you, and talk about different kinds of stuff like that. Some kids like to color or draw while talking. Sometimes kids (and teens too) are nervous because they'll be talking with somebody they've never met. Don't worry! This will also be the first time they've ever met you too.
Information for Caregivers
Interviewers specially trained in talking with children and adolescents will speak to your child about the situation. The process is designed to help your child feel at-ease. Our goal is for your child to leave with a feeling that he/she would come back without hesitation if they ever needed.
Our child waiting room is pictured above.
Our interview room is pictured below.
After The Interview
Information for Kids
After hanging out with Paulding CAC staff in the meeting room, you'll have a chance to go back to the playroom. The staff will again meet with whoever brought you to Paulding CAC. You'll also have a chance to choose a stuffed animal to take home for keeps. Every kid, teen (and sometimes adult too!) gets to choose a stuffed animal--if he/she wants.
Information for Caregivers
After the interview, the team will again meet with you to discuss the outcome of the interview with your child. Paulding CAC staff can make recommendations about what's best for you and your family. The team can also provide information regarding their next steps in terms of the investigation. Of course, the entire team will be there to answer any questions you have.
Additional Services After The Interview
Advocacy Services
A member of Paulding CAC Staff will contact you a few weeks after the interview to follow-up with you to see how things are going, answer any questions, and provide you with any additional resources needed. You may choose to have this conversation via a phone call or you can meet with staff in-person.
Therapy Services
Paulding CAC can provide you with referral information to several local mental health professionals that treat victims of abuse and traumatic events.
Paulding Child Advocacy Center · PO Box 703 · Dallas, GA 30132 · (678) 363-7234