• ABOUT US

MISSION & VISION

Our mission is to provide a safe environment for the evaluation of alleged abuse of children 3 to 18 years of age. Through the collaboration of public, private, and community partners, we work to ensure the safety, health, and well-being of children affected by abuse and violent crime.

We believe our multidisciplinary approach is the best way to serve the needs of these children and their families. We will create a neutral place where interviews and services for children are provided. We will connect children and families with needed community resources. We will coordinate multidisciplinary teams for the child’s benefit. We will support our staff’s professional development. We will educate our community and partners how to prevent child abuse.

WHO WE HELP

We serve all children 3 to 18 years of age across Rockingham County who are:

  • victims of alleged sexual abuse, physical abuse, or neglect
  • victims of child sex abuse material (CSAM), formerly known as child pornography
  • victims of online sexual abuse
  • victims of child sex trafficking
  • witness to domestic violence or other violent crimes

Child abuse is not something we like to think about, admit is real, or let alone suspect it be happening to our own children. But the reality is that:

  • 1 in 7 children experience physical abuse or neglect.
  • 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 13 boys are sexually abused before their 18th birthday.
  • Over 600,000 children are physically abused and neglected each year in this country.
  • Over 60,000 children are sexually abused each year in this country.
  • 91% of child sexual abuse is perpetrated by someone the child or the child’s family knows.
  • This country loses 5 children per day to child abuse.

Child abuse crosses all socioeconomic and education levels, religions, ethnic and cultural groups. The more educated we are on the facts and how to teach our children about body safety, the better we are armed in the fight against child abuse.

At the Child Advocacy Center, we are here to help and support you, turning hurt into hope.

WHAT WE DO

At the Child Advocacy Center, it is our goal to help nurture children affected by abuse and violent crimes and provide a safe environment for them to make their voice heard.

  • The Child Advocacy Center brings together all relevant parties within the investigation to our location.
  • The child is asked questions one-on-one by a trained forensic investigator skilled at interviewing children without re-traumatizing them, in a child-friendly environment.
  • The family is assisted in receiving any necessary support services after the interview by the family support specialist.

BRIEF HISTORY

The Child Advocacy Center of Rockingham County opened its doors in Portsmouth in January of 2000, becoming the model for all developing Child Advocacy Centers in the state. Since then, we have served over 7,900 children.

Governor Craig Benson issued an executive order in July of 2003 to establish the Governor’s Commission for Child Protection. In November 2003, that Commission issued its findings and recommended the development of a statewide network of Child Advocacy Centers. Governor Benson and Attorney General Peter Heed secured funding to help establish a Child Advocacy Center in all 10 counties, with the funding for each Center phasing down over a period of 5 years.

Today, New Hampshire has 100% coverage with a Center in every county.

Before Child Advocacy Centers, a child was subjected to numerous interviews upon report of abuse. Sometimes as many as nine. When a child victim is interviewed so many times, it only increases trauma. The National Children’s Alliance reports that in municipalities where a Child Advocacy Center is utilized, there is a 40% increase in successful prosecution of child abuse cases. Our process not only benefits the child, but also the entire community. Statistics reflect that children suffering abuse who do not receive a strong intervention are 67 times more likely to become juvenile offenders.

By offering services to 100% of Rockingham County children that are victimized by reported abuse, we make a difference in our community and reduce child trauma.

STAFF & BOARD

Maureen “Moe” Sullivan, DA, MBA
Executive Director

Dr. Sullivan is responsible for the overall direction, support of staff talent, program service delivery, operational management, and resource development. In her sixteen years with the nonprofit, she has raised awareness and investment in the mission while maintaining federal accreditation standards, partnership development as well as service delivery. She holds a Doctorate in Leadership Studies with a focus on organizational development and an MBA. She has been appointed by the U.S. Attorney for the District of NH to serve as a member of Project Safe Neighborhood’s (PSN) selection committee, serves on Advisory Committee for the NH Police Standards and Training Council, a graduate of Leadership Seacoast, Rotarian,   a member of Rotary District 7780 Opioid Recovery Initiative and the Portsmouth Community Coordinated Response to Substance Misuse Disorder.

Brooke Murphy, MSW
Program Coordinator/Forensic Interviewer

Brooke came to us with experience investigating and assessing alleged child abuse/neglect under RSA 169-C for the Division for Children, Youth, and Families. With a background in nonprofit management and therapeutic services, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, she is responsible for  facilitating multidisciplinary child abuse investigation, crisis intervention, forensic interviewing of children, and community and professional education programs.

Madeline Thompson, MS
Intake Coordinator/Forensic Interviewer

Madeline is our newest addition to the team. She will be trained to forensically interview child victims of abuse and neglect. She is mainly responsible for coordinating CAC interviews with the multidisciplinary team members (Law Enforcement, DCYF, Crisis Center, and Rockingham County Attorney’s Office), monitoring case progress, maintaining client files, assisting in the coordination of multi-agency case review, and providing outreach to partner our agencies. She comes to us with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a master’s degree in Human Services with knowledge of the law, as well as immense empathy and understanding.

Taylor Smith, MS
Family Support Specialist

Taylor formerly worked as a Mental Health Clinician and has a history of working with youth and families in both community and healthcare settings. With a background in child development and family studies, she serves as a member of the multidisciplinary team who is responsible for providing children and family members with information, education, and referrals; coordinating support services; providing follow ups; and functioning as a liaison between the family and the team.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chair: Andrew Chace

Vice Chair: Sally Aldrich

Secretary: Samantha Elwell

Treasurer: Erik Johnson

Ali Blais

John Burnham

Jen Crompton

Iona Evans, Esq.

Frank Firicano

Captain Dave Keaveny

Allyson Kreycik

Richard Lyons

Jonathan Melanson

Jennifer O’Brien, PhD

Brad Russ

Angela Salb

Chief Deputy Richard Sawyer

Kristina Seid

Mark Weidman

To get in touch with one of our staff members, please fill out the Contact Form below.

If a child tells you that they have been hurt, or you are concerned that a child may be a victim of abuse or neglect, you are required to call the Division for Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) Central Intake Unit at:

Phone: 800.894.5533
Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday — Friday

Call your local police department with urgent child abuse or neglect reports during DCYF non-work hours between 4:30 PM and 8:00 AM, or on weekends and holidays. Proof of abuse or neglect is not required to make a report, and you may do so anonymously.

CONTACT US

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.