• ABOUT US

What we do at the Child Advocacy Center

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 voices heard.

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

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.

Statistics have shown that the multidisciplinary approach is the best way to serve the needs of children and 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 on 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 it is real, or let alone suspect it could 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.

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

Our 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
Executive Director

Dr. Sullivan is responsible for overall direction, support of staff talent, program service delivery, operational management, and resource development. Currently in her seventeenth year, she has raised awareness and facilitated investment in the mission while maintaining national accreditation. She holds a Doctorate in Leadership Studies with a focus on organizational development. Dr. Sullivan has been appointed by the U.S. Attorney for the District of NH to serve as a member of Project Safe Neighborhood’s (PSN) , serves as a council member for the NH Police Academy, a graduate of Leadership Seacoast, Rotarian, member of Rotary District 7780 Opioid Recovery Initiative and the Portsmouth Community Response to Substance Misuse Disorder.

Meghan Lennon
Director of Program Services

Meghan has spent her professional career in roles advocating and supporting families and children. Under her leadership she supervises and supports the direct service staff while facilitating multidisciplinary child abuse investigation, crisis intervention, forensic interviewing of children, and professional education programs. Prior to rejoining the CAC team, Meghan was a Care Councilor at a residential shelter for juveniles, Direct Services Advocate at the YWCA in Manchester, certified Forensic Interviewer, Victim/Witness Coordinator at the Rockingham County Attorney’s Office as well as a Court Monitor. Meghan was recognized by the Portsmouth, NH Rotary Club as one who exemplifies the club’s mission of “Service Above Self” and a 2015 Champion for Children recipient. She holds a degree in Forensic Psychology and is committed to making the lives of victims and survivors one filled with hope.

Madeline Thompson
Family Support Specialist/Forensic Interviewer

Madeline joined the CAC team in 2023. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and a Master of Science in Human Services. In her current role, “Maddie” is responsible for coordinating the supportive services for families going through the CAC process as well as acting as a liaison between the family and the multidisciplinary team (Law Enforcement, DCYF, Crisis Centers, and the Rockingham County Attorney’s Office) who are involved in investigations. Maddie also conducts interviews of children who may have experienced abuse or witnessed violence. She believes in the importance of ensuring that children feel comfortable, respected, supported, and heard.

Kerstin Apfelberg
Intake Coordinator

Kerstin joined the team in 2025. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and a Minor in Psychology. Kerstin has spent her professional career in Human Services advocating and supporting children, adults and families in various roles. Along with facilitating multidisciplinary child abuse investigations and crisis intervention, her role as an Intake Coordinator requires Kerstin to accept, screen, evaluate referrals and to reach out to all multidisciplinary team members before the interview, coordinating and monitoring case progress, thus ensuring that all the interested parties are aligned before the interview process.

Contact our Team

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chair: Andrew Chace

Vice Chair: Sally Aldrich

Secretary: Samantha Elwell

Treasurer: Erik Johnson

John Burnham

Frank Firicano

Ali Fort

Rebecca Garone

Captain Dave Keaveny

Allyson Kreycik

Richard Lyons

Jonathan Melanson

Brad Russ

Angela Salb

Chief Deputy Richard Sawyer

Kristina Seid

Mark Weidman

If a child tells you that he or she has 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, available 24/7
Office 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.

We never stop looking for solutions for healing. Check out this amazing film trailer about the biology of stress and the science of hope.