CAC programs explained to Kilgore Lions
By LESTER MURRAY news2@kilgorenewsherald.com

Joann Lutmer-Paulson, program manager for the Child Advocacy Center in Longview explained the different programs available at the CAC.

The Kilgore Lions Club was presented an overview of the Child Advocacy Center in Longview by Joann Lutmer- Paulson, program manager.

Paulson said there were three basic programs offered by their non-profit agency which covers three counties in East Texas.

The Getting Together Safe Program was designed for parents to see their children when separation is required by a court order said Paulson. "This program is designed to allow parents to have a safe encounter with their children under supervision at the CAC's office," said Paulson. "This program is run by all volunteers and is held every other Saturday."

Another program is the Court Appointed Special Advocates which deals with over 350 children annually said Paulson. "This program is when the court orders a child taken from the home," said Paulson. "There are four CASA staff who handle this program and do visitations with the children."

This program covers five counties said Paulson.

The final program handled by the CAC is when an allocation of sexual abuse or neglect has been made by either a law enforcement agency or Child Protective Services to the CAC, trained forensic interviewers go to work said Paulson.

Paulson said she is one of the interviewers which will interview children from two years of age to 17 years of age. "This program covers primarily Gregg County, but also covers Harrison County," said Paulson.

The center averages about 50 interviews a month said Paulson. "We are considered expert witnesses by the court also," said Paulson. When not conducting forensic interviews we also do training for the community."

Paulson said only referrals by law enforcement or CPS can be handled by CAC, no one can contact the CAC directly for them to take intervention.

Paulson did say the one thing the CAC needs, being a nonprofit organization is volunteers and donations would be appreciated.

Anyone wishing to report child abuse can do so by calling 1-800-252-5400.