Children’s Advocacy Centers report expansion, trainings and a new statewide data system

Elizabeth Pulley, executive director of the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas, and Marquette Humphreys described the network’s 2023 accomplishments to the Senate Children and Youth Committee, including a statewide training expansion and new data infrastructure.

Pulley said the network now includes 27 accredited centers and 64 multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) that coordinate investigations and services for child abuse victims. In 2023 the organization delivered 306 trainings across the state, implemented a new database to protect client records and improve case tracking, and provided technical assistance to local MDT facilitators.

Highlights include a major facility expansion in Springdale that will serve roughly 1,000 children annually and a new center opened in Clarksville extending services into Johnson and surrounding counties. Pulley also noted a new Jacksonville location in partnership with local schools. The centers offer forensic interviews, advocacy, medical examinations and mental‑health services and provide prevention education to schools and community groups.

Pulley said CACs support coordination with DCFS, CACD and local law enforcement and emphasized prevention and a child‑focused multidisciplinary response as the program’s goal.