CAC's mission is to empower children to overcome trauma from physical and sexual violence through empathetic collaboration and culturally sensitive services for the victims and their families. From the forensic interview to the last therapy session, CAC provides comprehensive services to ensure that our clients are building resiliency in order to live safer, healthier lives.
Forensic & Advocacy Services (FAS)
Our extensively trained FAS team supports a child and family through the legal process of the abuse investigation. We coordinate with local law enforcement, the State’s Attorney's Office and DCFS to conduct forensic interviews that limit additional trauma for the child and collect all necessary information to proceed with the case. CAC Advocates support families and connect them to medical, mental health and other community services.
Mental Health Services (MHS)
Our extensively trained Trauma Therapists meet families during their highest level of crisis, and we connect with them through compassion and empathy. Our team creates a comprehensive and individualized treatment plan for each child and non-offending family member so they can begin to put the pieces of their life back together. Our goal is to help them process trauma, build resilience and live healthier, safer lives.
Safe from the Start (SFTS)
Our SFTS program offers free, trauma-informed therapy for children birth to age five who have experienced violence in their households. These children are often overlooked, but we make their care a priority. Our team helps the most vulnerable population by listening to them, believing them and helping them process trauma.
Fiscal Year 2024 | July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024
1,807
Clients in FY24
4,275
Hours of mental health services in FY 24
38
Communities served
35
Years of service
SFTS Client
"My child's self-esteem has grown because of the services at Safe from the Start. Thank you!"
FAS Client
"Thank you! You made us feel supported and more safe and cared about in this frightening world."
MHS Client
"Thank you for being a safe place for my daughter and I to share our experiences."
Contact Us
CAC is here to help. Call, email or fill out
the contact form below or inquiries.
To report child abuse call: (800) 252-2873
Hoffman Estates
640 Illinois Blvd
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
Arlington Heights
657 E Golf Road
Suite 310
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Skokie
9933 Lawler Ave
Suite 207
Skokie, IL 60077
Childrenʼs Advocacy Center of North and Northwest Cook County is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization under the regulations of Internal Revenue Services.
Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law.
CAC does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers, and subcontractors. CAC is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, color, gender national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
If you feel you have been discriminated against, complaints must be made in writing and sent to:
Melanie Pignotti, LCPC
Chief Executive Officer of Children’s Advocacy Center of North & Northwest Cook County
Address: 640 Illinois Blvd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
Email: mpignotti@cachelps.org