Indiana Chapter 2020-2021 Annual Report now available

Indiana Chapter Organizational Capacity

Membership

The Indiana Chapter works diligently to source trainings that meet the needs of the CAC members and their MDT’s. Trainings are offered throughout the year and are funded in part by the National Children’s Alliance and other sources. Continued education for members of MDTs and CAC staff is the best way for Indiana CACs to provide evidence-based, world-leading service.

Growth and development

• Zoey’s Place in Hancock County, the Child Advocacy Center of Randolph County, and Safe Harbor in Kosciusko County all opened in 2020; Zoey’s Place in December and the other two in November.
• In October 2020 CAC of Southeast Indiana opened their satellite office in Decatur County.
• Sylvia’s CAC became a National Children’s Alliance accredited center in 2021. 
• Additionally, In 2021 5 Child Advocacy Centers – Cherish CAC, Kids Talk, McKenzie’s Hope, Susie’s Place Avon and Susie’s Place Bloomington began preparation for and received NCA reaccreditation in 2022.
• Two centers, Susie’s Place Terre Haute and Dunebrook CACs began preparation for accreditation with the National Children’s Alliance in 2021.

Training and technical assistance

The Indiana Chapter works diligently to source trainings that meet the needs of the CAC members and their MDT’s. Trainings are offered throughout the year.

Awareness and education

The Indiana Chapter works diligently to bring awareness of the CAC/MDT model. The Chapter’s awareness and education outreach online expanded significantly, including an average of about 1,000 visitors per month. Additional outreach included work as or with:

• MRCAC Advisory Board
• NCA Site Reviewer
• NCA Accreditation Revision Facilitator – 2023 Edition of NCA Standards
• NCA Chapter Work Group, Member
• NCA Chapter Networking Group, Member
• CJA Advisory Committee, Member
• Liaison to DCS for CACs
• Liaison to IPAC for CACs
• Liaison to ICJI/VOCA for CACs
• Governor’s Taskforce – Juvenile Justice State Advisory Group, Member, 2017
• Victim Assistance Training Project, Steering Committee, Member, 2019
• Member of Statewide SART Team, Member, 2020

How are CACs reviewed?

CACs that are members of the National Children’s Alliance have access to use the Outcome Management System, an evidence-based survey CACs can use to measure their own performance and benchmark themselves against the field. 

Initial caregiver survey

• Offered to families at the end of their first visit to the Center or within approximately 10 days of that visit to gauge initial reaction to the center and the services offered during that first visit
• There have been 2,428 responses since January 1, 2020 – December 31, 2021, representing approximately 15% of the interviews completed at Indiana CACs. 
• 86.3% of respondents state that they strongly agree that they believe their child felt safe at the center, and 9.7% of respondents say they somewhat agree that they believe their child felt safe at the center. 
• 98.8% of respondents state the CAC staff made sure they understood the reason for the visit.
• Many respondents (parents or caregivers) took the time to write in the services they want to receive post-initial visit were mental health (counseling) services for their child and also for themselves. 

Follow-up survey 

• Offered approximately two months after the first visit. Timing may be flexible on when this survey is offered based on the center’s follow-up procedures. This survey gives a chance for families to reflect on their experience with the center and any follow-up services they may have received since the first visit. 
• There have been 138 responses between January 1, 2020 – December 31, 2021, which represents approximately 1.1% of the interviews completed at Indiana CACs. 
• Of the 138 responses, only 42.7% of respondents stated that they used the therapy/counseling services that were referred for their child during the initial CAC visit. 
  • Of the 57.3% that did not use the services did not use referral services, the majority state that they:
    • already used a similar service
    • were unable to find a provider accepting new clients/patients
    • did not believe their child needed the services referred 
• Of the 138 responses, only 21.1% of respondents stated that they used the therapy/counseling services that were referred for themselves during the initial CAC visit. 
  • Of the 78.9% that did not use any mental health referrals for themselves, the majority stated:
    • They did not need mental health services 
    • 25% were already receiving services, so no referral was needed 
    • 22.7% stated they did not have time or had not made an initial appointment yet.

Youth survey 

•  The newest survey added to the OMS offerings. Offered to youth ages 10 – 17 and allowing youth an opportunity to share feedback on their experience at the center. 
• This survey launched in 2021 and has 81 responses. 
• 84.42% of the respondents stated that they felt CAC staff were good at listening to them 
• 81.33% of the respondents stated that their questions were answered 
• 94.67% of the respondents stated that they felt safe at the center 
• 80% of the respondents stated that they felt like CAC staff cared for them 

MDT survey 

• Offered to all team members involved in the CAC/MDT process. This survey is offered on a flexible basis, most often annually or semi-annually. 
• Between January 1, 2020 – December 31, 2021, 268 surveys have been completed. 
• The majority of responses show that the CAC model is respected and fosters collaboration. 
  • However the responses do show room for improvement on allowing each MDT member to have a voice and be heard during the forensic interview process. 
  • Also opportunity for increased collaboration and consistency with how MDT members are communicated with.

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