Injury & Violence Prevention

Children's advocacy/protection centers (CAC/CPC) provide a comfortable, private, child-friendly setting that is both physically and psychologically safe for diverse populations of children and their families who are victims of suspected abuse and neglect. The centers offer a new way of serving abused children through a comprehensive approach to services. A team of specialists at the center's work together in the investigation, treatment, and prosecution of child abuse cases. The goal of the child advocacy/protection centers is to ensure that children are not re-victimized by the very system designed to protect them.

Since 2004 Iowa legislators have appropriated state funds for the purpose of establishing new or support existing CPC's that meet, or are in the process of implementing, standards established by the National Children's Alliance (NCA). NCA is a nationwide not-for-profit membership organization whose mission is to promote and support communities in providing a coordinated investigation and comprehensive response to victims of severe child abuse.

Through an application process and legislation, five Child Protection Centers in Iowa have been awarded grants to assist in supporting existing services within the centers. The five centers awarded grants are as follows:

• Mercy Child Advocacy Center located in Sioux City, serving Region 1
• Allen Child Protection Center, located in Waterloo, serving Region 2
• Child Protection Response Center, located in Davenport, serving Region 3 
• St Luke's Child Protection Center located in Cedar Rapids, serving Region 4
• Blank Children's Hospital Regional Child Protection Center located in Des Moines, serving Region 5

For more information:

Contact Monica Goedken, MPA - Violence Prevention Coordinator - Bureau of Family Health - Division of Health Promotion & Chronic Disease Prevention at monica.goedken@idph.iowa.gov or 515-201-3265

• To report Abuse visit this webpage or call the Abuse Hotline 24 hours a day/7 days a week:  1-800-362-2178

What is a Child Protection Center?

A child friendly environment tied together by community agencies and professionals that work together to reduce the trauma victims experience and enhance the ability to respond to child maltreatment. The heart of a CPC is the multi-disciplinary team that is made up of seven disciplines that lead the investigation through a coordinated community response.

Who do Child Protection Centers serve?

Child Protection centers serve children and families throughout Iowa ensuring all children receive access to high quality services.

What services are offered?

• Medical Evaluation and Treatment
• Forensic Interviews
• Counseling and/or Referrals
• Case Review and Case Tracking
• Prevention and Community Education
• Advocacy Services

How are children referred for services?

Referrals for evaluations come from law enforcement agencies, child protection agencies and prosecutors. Child Protection Centers will not accept direct referrals from parents. Concerns of abuse and neglect should be reported to law enforcement and /or child protection in your community.

Is there any cost to families for services?

There is never a cost to families associated with services they receive at a Child Protection Center.

What are the benefits of a CPC?

For victims and their families, the benefits include: consistent and prompt follow-up to abuse reports, consistent and compassionate support for the child and family, referrals to professionals with expertise in specialized fields, dramatically fewer victim interviews and increased successful prosecution. Based on research conducted by the National Children's Alliance, the CPC approach is 36% less expensive and more highly valued by community residents.

• Iowa Child Protection Center Service Numbers SFY18 - SFY23

Iowa Law Pertaining to Child Protection Centers

• Iowa Administrative Code
• Iowa Administrative Rules, Chapter 94

Iowa Child Protection Centers

• Mercy Child Advocacy Center, located in Sioux City, serving Region 1
• Allen Child Protection Center, located in Waterloo, serving Region 2
• Child Protection Response Center, located in Davenport, serving Region 3 
• St Luke's Child Protection Center, located in Cedar Rapids, serving Region 4
• Blank Children's STAR Center, located in Des Moines, serving Region 5

Prevent Child Abuse

• PCA America - Since 1972, Prevent Child Abuse America has led the way in building awareness, providing education and inspiring hope to everyone involved in the effort to prevent the abuse and neglect of our nation's children. Working with our chapters, we provide leadership to promote and implement prevention efforts at both the national and local levels. With the help of our state chapters and concerned individuals like you we're valuing children, strengthening families and engaging communities nationwide.
• PCA Iowa - Founded in 1975, Prevent Child Abuse Iowa's fundamental --- and critically important - mission is to end child abuse in the entire state of Iowa. Its single-minded focus on prevention is unique in the child abuse field, where most efforts involve counseling and treating children and families after abuse has already occurred.

Other Resources

• Iowa Chapter of Children's Advocacy Centers
• National Children's Alliance
• Midwest Regional Child Advocacy Center
• Parents for Prevention a project of the Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault
• Essentials for Childhood: Creating Safe, Stable, Nurturing Relationships and Environments for All Children
• Preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) - Center for Disease Control and Prevention
• Changing Minds: The Campaign to End Childhood Trauma - Futures Without Violence
• Preventing Child Abuse & Neglect - Center for Disease Control and Prevention 
• Everyday Magic: 16 Ways Adults Can Support Children Exposed to Violence and Trauma - Futures Without Violence