3rd Quarter Newsletter

March 31, 2024

About the Florida Network of Children's Advocacy Centers

Accredited by National Children's Alliance (NCA) as the State Chapter of Florida, the Florida Network of Children's Advocacy Centers (FNCAC) is a membership organization representing the Child Advocacy Centers (CAC) throughout Florida.

CACs are child-focused centers that coordinate the investigation, prosecution, and treatment of child abuse and neglect while helping abused children heal. CACs emphasize the coordination of investigation and intervention services by bringing together a multidisciplinary team to create a child-focused approach to child abuse and neglect cases. CACs are effective, hold offenders accountable, help child victims heal, and promote best practice by all of our MDT Partners.

In addition, the FNCAC and CACs are tasked with providing technical assistance, training, education and prevention outreach to members of their local communities.

Together, the CAC Movement in Florida is positively impacting victim services to child victims throughout the state and improving outcomes for kids and their families.

Inaugural CAC Legislative Advocacy Day

Click to Watch the recap video

We entered the last few days of this year’s legislative session knowing that our hard work over the last year has yielded great results. Results that our CAC Movement has earned over 25+ years. Results that wouldn’t have been possible without each one of you. Thank you. Truly, thank you.

The legislature has appropriated $9,848,519 to Florida’s CAC Movement! This is an increase to:

Recurring dollars to CACs & FNCAC
Non-Recurring $4.89M to CACs to “Bridge the Gap”

Please reach out to your representatives, thank them for their advocacy and support and for prioritizing the needs of children in our state. We have much to be proud of in this moment.

April is Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month

Reach out to your local Children's Advocacy Center to learn more about what's happening in your area.

Check out some resources below:

Pinwheels for Prevention

Learn More

Webinars and Podcasts

Learn More

Partner Toolkits

Learn More

Pinwheels for Prevention Events

Learn More

Click here for more resources for parents and caregivers.

Walk in My Shoes

Join this coming April during National Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month for the 2024 Walk in My Shoes 1,500-mile trek across Florida! The walk will begin in Key West, traversing both coasts and ending in Panama City, making over 20 stops along the way. Whether you’re able to walk for a block, a mile, or more, every step counts in the fight to prevent child sexual abuse and help survivors heal.

Interested in joining our powerful army for change?

Click this link for more information on Walk In My Shoes April 2024

Save the Date!

July 24-26, 2024

The annual Krimes Against Kids Conference returns to sunny Orlando.

Check for full conference information here!

Welcome New FNCAC Staff!

Temika Dixon

Statewide Programs & Enhancement Coordinator

Temika Dixon is a seasoned Social Worker with extensive expertise in program management, statewide outreach, behavioral health, business development, strategic partnership development, Medicaid managed care, and community engagement. With over 20 years of experience, Temika has been instrumental in driving successful initiatives that prioritize program management and statewide outreach. She has provided entrepreneurial and business development consultation to healthcare organizations, non-profits, and health tech startups across the United States, helping them leverage innovative and evidence-based solutions to maximize available opportunities and resources.

When not working, Temika enjoys the beach, spending time with her children Morgan and Christian, and reading.

Alicia Washington

Statewide Membership and Support Coordinator

Welcome Alicia Washington our new Statewide Membership and Support Coordinator at the Florida Network of Children's Advocacy Centers. Alicia is passionate about advocacy, and her expertise lies in writing, marketing, and communication. She has worked with various organizations, including international government organizations and non-profits, honing her skills. She believes in utilizing different communication methods to spread important messages and ideas. Her primary goal is to advocate for the rights of children and create a world where they are loved and supported.

During her free time, she usually spends quality time with her family, reads books, or explores a new hobby.

Collaboration is Key!

Zero Abuse Project Child Advocacy Studies Training (CAST)

DFPS in Texas is interested in collaborating with FNCAC's CAST advocate overseeing the program's growth. They're interested in meeting with the universities that engage in the CAST program in Florida. They want to learn how the CAST program works and benefits Florida.

This is a great opportunity to share our history with CAST, how we've fostered its growth thus far via Project Wake Up, the formative evaluation of our MDT simulation class at Florida State University. We'll be meeting with the Florida CAST team in April to map the way forward.

Find your local CAC here!

Support the FNCAC

FNCAC | (850) 671-4791 | 501 E. Tennessee St Suite B Tallahassee, FL 32308| www.fncac.org