Our Mission:

The Larimer County Child Advocacy Center (LCCAC) reduces trauma to children during child abuse investigations. We provide a child-friendly setting for forensic interviews & the coordination of services while ensuring children and families receive effective and sensitive support.

The LCCAC currently serves ~400 children a year acting upon our mission.  Don't be fooled.  Child abuse does occur in our community.  Unfortunately, our statistics prove it.

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What's New?

• 12th Annual Run for a Child's Sake - April 26, 2008

                2008 Race Results - Overall  2008 Race Results - Age Group

• Guardian Award Luncheon - April 10, 2008:  Click here to read nominations            Congratulations to our "Guardians" this year:  Brian Gary & Todd Harding of K99 Radio and their "28 Hours of Hope" radiothon which raised significant funds for the Center!
• 7th Annual Bocce y Bella Sera
• Spirit of a Child - Annual Giving Campaign

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What Does Our Mission Mean?

The LCCAC is dedicated to

	Ensuring that victims of child abuse and their non-offending family members have access to support and services in a safe, compassionate, and respectful environment.
	Helping obtain timely and appropriate services to children in cases of alleged child abuse. Services may include: forensic interviewing, assistance by law enforcement, social services, medical help and counseling professionals.
	Working to prevent child abuse through education and social acknowledgement that child abuse is a problem in all communities.
	Serving as an informational source for those unsure of how to report child abuse.
	Acting as an educational resource to the community about child abuse.

History

The Larimer County Child Advocacy Center is an inspiring example of a successful public/private partnership. In 1994, a community task force began meeting to find a better way to serve children involved in child abuse investigations and their families. After a year of information gathering and review, the group recommended establishing a center where teams would provide children and families coordinated services in a child-friendly setting. In January of 1997, their recommendation became a reality when the Child Advocacy Center first opened its doors on a small house on West Myrtle Street in Fort Collins.

At the Child Advocacy Center, detectives/investigators, caseworkers, and prosecutors work side by side, forming an expert response team that puts children's needs first.

Staff

Executive Director: Laura Hunt
Laura started with the LCCAC as executive director in May 2002. Previously, she was the executive director of CASA/Harmony House for 10 years. Laura’s duties include the day-to-day operations of the facility, fundraising, managing staff and reporting to the board of directors. Laura has a B.S. from the University of Wyoming.

You may reach Laura at 970-407-9739 or laura@larimercac.org

Forensic Interviewer & Program Support Coordinator: Sarah Ascienzo, MSW
Sarah started as the program coordinator in May 2005.  Sarah's primary job responsibilities include forensic interviewing and training, providing emotional support, resource referral and advocacy to the children and families visiting the center; acting as a liaison between the multiple agencies involved with the center; facilitating case coordinations and coordinating community trainings.  Sarah holds a Masters of Social Work degree from Colorado State University.

You may reach Sarah at 970-407-9739 or at sarah@larimercac.org.

Forensic Interviewer: Kit Harden, MSW
Kit started with the CAC as a forensic interviewer in July 2005.  Kit has a professional background in child welfare and her primary job responsibilities are forensic interviewing and training.  Kit holds a Masters of Social Work degree from Colorado State University.

You may reach Kit at 970-407-9739 or at kitharden@comcast.net.

Prevention Specialist, Shannon Yockey, LCSW
Shannon is a licencsed clinical social worker with over 16 years experience working with children and families in mental health agencies, church communities, and overseas military. She specializes in parenting issues, child and family conflict, and childhood trauma. She is also a prevention specialist in the area of childhood sexual abuse.

You may reach Shannon at 970-407-9739 or at shannonyockey@comcast.net.

Family Support Coordinator: Ana Sluss
Ana holds a part-time position at the LCCAC serving as the Family Support Coordinator. Primary duties for Ana include assisting the director, volunteer coordination, fundraising planning, and providing support services to families. Ana earned a B.S. Degree in Spanish from the Colorado State University.

You may reach Ana at 970-407-9739 or at ana@larimercac.org.

Board