Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs) are designed to provide a coordinated, child-centered response to allegations of child abuse and neglect. Through a multidisciplinary team approach, CACs bring together law enforcement, child welfare, prosecution, medical and mental health professionals, and victim advocates to reduce trauma for children and families while improving the quality and efficiency of investigations. CACs prioritize the safety, well-being, and voice of the child by creating a welcoming, supportive environment where children are seen, heard, and protected.
Mariposa Safe Families proudly leads the Children’s Advocacy Center work for Mariposa County, serving as a trusted community partner committed to strengthening local systems of care for children and families. Through this leadership role, Mariposa Safe Families strives to coordinate collaboration among partner agencies, facilitates multidisciplinary team engagement, and ensures a trauma-informed, victim-centered approach remains at the heart of the CAC model. By fostering strong relationships and clear communication across agencies, Mariposa Safe Families helps streamline responses and promote accountability while keeping children’s needs front and center.
In addition to coordination and advocacy, Mariposa Safe Families works to enhance access to supportive services for children and non-offending caregivers impacted by abuse. This includes providing safe, child-friendly spaces, connecting families to resources, and advancing prevention and education efforts throughout the community. By leading the CAC for Mariposa County, Mariposa Safe Families plays a critical role in promoting healing, resilience, and long-term safety for children, while building a more unified and compassionate response system for the families it serves.
MSF is a proud member of the Children's Advocacy Centers of California, a program of CALICO.

For Mariposa Safe Families, partnerships with other Children’s Advocacy Centers are vital to providing the highest quality services for children and families in our community. Collaborating with peer centers allows us to share best practices, specialized training, and innovative approaches to trauma-informed care, ensuring our team stays up to date with evolving standards.

Partnerships established through our CAC work also create opportunities for peer support, problem-solving, and access to resources that might not otherwise be available in a rural setting. By working together with other CACs, Mariposa Safe Families strengthens our ability to provide coordinated, consistent, and effective services—helping every child and family feel supported, heard, and safe throughout the process.