The Child Advocacy Center (CAC) of Putnam County opened in September 1999 to provide a child friendly setting where a coordinated response to child abuse allegations may be pursued in order to support and protect children and their families. The overall goal is to reduce the trauma for these families. Using a multidisciplinary approach, the project aims to: Provide a safe place for interviewing and performing medical evaluations on children suspected of being abused, improve the investigation and prosecution of child abuse cases, enhance interagency communication and cooperation and provide the family with support services while assisting them through the investigative and legal process.