A few words
About Us
Chenango Child Advocacy Center (CAC) is a unique resource which offers a safe & welcoming environment for those who is/has been a victim and/or family member impacted by crime. Our counselors and advocates provide free, trauma-informed supportive services with compassion to survivors.
The Chenango County Child Advocacy Center (CAC) was established in 2010 under Chenango County Catholic Charities Organization. In October 2016, the CAC transitioned under the Crime Victims Assistance Program of Broome County (CVAC) who has been providing services for child and adult victims of a crime since 1997.
Our Mission
To provide a safe and child friendly environment and utilizing the resources and expert knowledge of the responding agencies to reduce the impact of trauma to child abuse victims and their family members/care givers.
Our Staff
Christine Battisti
CEO – CVAC Chief Executive Officer
Chief Executive Officer provides oversight to Crime Victims Assistance Center Programming, day to day operations and fiscal responsibly of all programs at various locations in Broome and Chenango County
Jessica Hyatt
COO – CVAC Chief Operating Officer
Chief Operation Officer provides oversight to Chenango Child Advocacy Center Staff & Programing. In addition the COO manages and oversees various Crime Victims Assistance Center programs which includes the Safe Harbour and Child Advocacy Center in Broome County.
Joanne Smith
LMSW, CAC Director
CAC Director reports to the COO while overseeing the day-to-day operation of the Chenango County Child Advocacy Center, Chenango Safe Harbour Program and Chenango/Madison County Regional Child Fatality Review Team. Provides as a liaison between services providers within the community and coordinates the Chenango County Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) for Forensic Interviews of children impacted by a crime in Chenango County. Facilitates the Empowered Caregivers Support Group.
Sonya Russell
Family Advocate
Family Liaison provides assistance for children and family members/caregivers who move through the investigation interview process. She/her/hers serves on the Multidisciplinary Team coordinating intervention services for child victims and family members / caregivers of a crime in Chenango County. In addition she provides prevention education training’s in various venues throughout the Chenango County region.
Tina Sullivan
Counselor
Counselor provides crisis intervention and/or short-term counseling services for children and family members who have been impacted by a crime in Chenango County. Serves on the Multidisciplinary Team coordinating intervention services for victims and family members/caregivers of a crime in Chenango County. Provides primary prevention presentations to middle & high school students.
Liz Simcoe
Case Manager/Safe Harbour NY
Case Manager/Safe Harbour NY provides assistance for children and family members who move through the investigation interview process. Serves on the Multidisciplinary Team coordinating intervention services for victims and care providers with a crime in Chenango County. Provides assistance for victims through the Chenango Safe Harbour Program, children being sexually exploitation or trafficked. Works in the community with agencies, families and individuals to provide resources, links, referrals and support to those who have been a victim of a crime.