Child abuse is a painful reality that impacts children of all backgrounds, regardless of race, gender or socioeconomic status. In Charleston and lower Berkeley counties, Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center (CAC) offers a vital lifeline for children and families facing the trauma of abuse. The center’s mission is simple yet profound: to lead and coordinate a child-focused, community-wide response to prevent abuse, protect children and heal families.
But what exactly does a Child Advocacy Center do, and why is it so important? For many people, the term “Child Advocacy Center” might not immediately ring a bell. At Dee Norton, a CAC plays a central role in responding to allegations of abuse by coordinating services in a way that minimizes the trauma often experienced by children and families when dealing with abuse investigations. The goal is to ensure a child’s immediate safety while providing the long-term support needed for their emotional and psychological recovery.
One of the first steps in this process is a forensic interview, which is conducted in a child-friendly, sensitive manner by trained professionals. These interviews are crucial because they help gather detailed information in a way that is both effective and supportive for the child. Alongside this, Dee Norton also provides thorough medical assessments through a partnership with the MUSC Child Abuse Pediatrics team to identify signs of abuse, ensuring the child receives the necessary care. With locations on King Street in downtown Charleston and on Long Point Road in Mount Pleasant, Dee Norton provides children and their families throughout the region access to these essential services.
However, Dee Norton’s work does not stop with these initial steps. The center’s case coordination services bring together a team of professionals from various agencies, including law enforcement, child protective services and legal experts, to make sure the child’s case is handled with the utmost care. Therapy is another critical aspect of Dee Norton’s services.
Dee Norton also plays an important role in community education and prevention. The center regularly partners with schools, businesses and community groups to raise awareness about child abuse and the importance of early intervention. In fact, during National Child Abuse Prevention Month each April, Dee Norton ramps up its efforts to inform the public, educating everyone from teachers to parents how to recognize the signs of abuse and prevent it from happening in the first place.
Safe Babies Court is a new and impactful program launched by Dee Norton in collaboration with Charleston County DSS and Charleston County Family Court. This initiative is designed to expedite the foster care timeline for children under the age of 3 by working closely with the family to make the home a safe and loving place, or, if necessary, to find a new home in which the child can grow up happy and healthy. Early intervention during this critical stage of development can have a lasting impact, helping give these children a chance at a brighter, healthier future.
At Dee Norton, there is a firm belief that children can and do heal. While abuse is a traumatic experience, with the right resources and support, children can overcome their past and lead fulfilling lives. Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center is a place where healing begins, providing a critical resource for families and communities when they need it the most.
For more information, call 843-723-3600 or visit DeeNortonCenter.org.
By Cari Lawson
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