Earlier this month, CAC CEO Melanie Pignotti wrote about the hidden risks for kids at holiday gatherings. As a follow-up to that column, CAC's Mental Health Services team created a list of potential flags that might alert adults if a child is being harmed or is at risk of being harmed. Whether it's things you notice because you don't normally see the child and something just seems off or it's because you know the child well and something just seems off, this list can help you

The Monthly Mindset Column - December 2025 By Melanie Pignotti, LCPC, CAC Chief Executive Officer The holidays are a season of laughter, connection and family traditions. Homes fill with warmth, tables overflow with food and children run from room to room soaking up the magic. But amid the joy, there is a reality we cannot ignore; holiday gatherings can create opportunities for sexual abuse by situational offenders.    Situational sexual offenders are individuals who may not

Before I became CEO, I spent years in direct service, working with children and families impacted by trauma. I’ve felt the slow erosion of compassion fatigue. I’ve carried the invisible weight of secondary trauma. And I’ve learned, through experience and reflection, that helping professionals need help, too.  That’s why CAC’s annual Symposium isn’t just another event; it’s a cornerstone of our mission. It’s a space created intentionally for those who show up every da

Parenting can be one of the most rewarding—and challenging—journeys, and having the right guidance can make all the difference. The following books, recommended by CAC's Mental Health Services Team, offer evidence-based, compassionate and practical approaches to raising emotionally healthy, resilient children.