At the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) of Portage County, our mission extends beyond response—it’s about prevention, protection, and creating the possibility of healing and resilience for every child. In 2025, the CAC has expanded its reach through new services, innovative programming, and strengthened community education efforts.
Free Trauma Therapy for All Children in Portage County
This year marks a milestone in mental health accessibility for local youth: the CAC now offers free trauma therapy to any child in Portage County who has experienced abuse, neglect, violence, or other traumatic events. By removing barriers to care, the CAC ensures that all children have access to trauma-informed therapy that supports healing, emotional regulation, and resilience—right when they need it most.
Leading Anti-Human Trafficking Work
As the lead agency for the Portage County Anti-Human Trafficking Coalition, the CAC brings together community partners to strengthen the county’s prevention and response strategies. Through this coalition, the CAC coordinates professional trainings, supports awareness campaigns, and ensures that youth at risk of exploitation receive the immediate, compassionate care they deserve.
The coalition’s efforts have resulted in more streamlined victim identification, better-informed service providers, and stronger partnerships across agencies. This work is essential in protecting vulnerable youth from falling through the cracks.
Free Community and Professional Trainings
Education is one of the CAC’s most powerful tools in preventing abuse and exploitation. In 2025, the CAC continues to offer free training sessions designed to empower professionals, caregivers, and community members. Current training topics include:
- Human Trafficking 101
Learn how to recognize signs of trafficking, understand vulnerabilities, and respond with trauma-informed care. - Child Abuse Prevention/Mandated Reporter Training
This comprehensive session equips professionals—including educators, medical providers, and youth-serving staff—with the tools to recognize, respond to, and report suspected child abuse. It also provides prevention strategies and guidance on supporting children through trauma disclosures. - Sextortion
This training focuses on the growing threat of online sextortion. This session helps adults, children and teens understand what sextortion is, how it happens, and how to prevent and respond to it safely.
These trainings are offered in person or virtually to accommodate a wide range of schedules and organizational needs. Whether you’re a teacher, youth leader, medical provider, or parent, these sessions equip you to play a meaningful role in prevention.
To schedule a training for your group or organization, contact the CAC at CAC@UHHospitals.org or call 330-297-8838.
Wraparound Support for Families in Crisis
In addition to clinical services, the CAC provides wraparound care to meet the basic needs of families facing crisis. Support includes non-perishable food, hygiene kits, clothing, gas cards, comfort items for children and teens, blankets, and more. Many of these items are donated by generous community members.
All Services Are Free—Thanks to You
From trauma therapy and advocacy to prevention education and basic needs support, all CAC services are provided at no cost to the families we serve. This is only possible because of the generosity of donors, grant partners, and community members who stand with us in this mission.
How You Can Help
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Schedule a free training for your staff, school, or organization
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Donate items
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Form a team or become a sponsor for Bowl Against Abuse 2026
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Spread the word—share our mission and resources with others
Looking Ahead
In 2025, the CAC continues to focus on prevention, protection, and possibility—meeting the evolving needs of our community with compassion and purpose. Together, we can build a safer, more resilient future for every child in Portage County.
📩 Contact us at CAC@UHHospitals.org or call 330-297-8838 to learn more or get involved.