Every Child Should be safe in their own castle
Providing hope, healing, and justice for children impacted by abuse across Tennessee’s 1st Judicial District.
Suspected child abuse cases should be referred to the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services Child Abuse Hotline
Who We Are
The Children’s Advocacy Center of the 1st Judicial District is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting children and helping families navigate the trauma of abuse with dignity, compassion, and hope. We serve children who are victims of sexual abuse, severe physical abuse, and other forms of maltreatment by providing a safe, child-focused environment where they can begin the healing process.
When a child experiences abuse, the path forward can feel confusing and overwhelming for families. Our center exists to reduce that burden. Instead of children being shuffled between agencies and retelling their story multiple times, we bring professionals together under one roof. Law enforcement, child protective services, prosecutors, medical providers, mental health professionals, and victim advocates collaborate as a coordinated team — all working with the child’s best interest at the center of every decision.
What We Do
How We Help Children & Families
Forensic Interviews
Specially trained professionals conduct developmentally appropriate, child-friendly interviews that reduce trauma while gathering accurate information for investigations.
Family Advocacy
Our advocates walk alongside families—providing guidance, crisis support, referrals, and updates throughout the legal and healing process.
Prevention & Education
We equip schools, caregivers, and community members with tools and training to recognize, prevent, and respond to child abuse.
Child Protective Investigative Team
CAC1ST assists in coordinating monthly CPIT meetings to review all reported cases of severe abuse including Sexual Abuse & Exploitation, Severe Physical Abuse, Human Trafficking and Drug Exposure within each county of the First Judicial District. As legislatively mandated by Tennessee State Statute, professionals including Law Enforcement, Tennessee District Attorney General's Office, Juvenile Court Staff, Department of Children's Services, Mental Health and Medical Providers, and CAC1ST work in collaboration to provide services to child victims of abuse.
Forensic Medical Exams
CAC1ST contracts with a team of specially trained medical professionals to conduct examinations and collect pertinent case evidence and information for potential prosecution. The medical professionals also help ensure that children receive any ongoing treatment needed to address physical conditions or injuries resulting from the abuse.
Therapy Services
CAC1St contracts with a local mental health provider to offer services to child victims of abuse providing guidance on the child's journey to healing through the use of evidence-based trauma informed therapy.
Child Advocacy Centers reduce the number of times a child must retell their story, improve coordination between agencies, and increase access to critical mental health services. Our collaborative approach helps protect children while strengthening cases against offenders.
OUR APPROACH
A Child-Centered, Multidisciplinary Approach
We believe children should only have to tell their story once. That’s why our center brings together professionals from multiple disciplines to work as one team.
This coordinated response:
Reduces trauma
Promotes faster access to services
Strengthens investigations
Supports families every step of the way
