Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability

Children's Advocacy Centers Appear Beneficial But Have Limited Accountability

Report 02-44, August 2002




Report Summary

  • Children's advocacy centers are local entities that coordinate the efforts of agencies involved in certain child protective investigations in the counties where they operate. Their goals are to reduce trauma to child victims of abuse and neglect and to coordinate the various activities involved in the investigation process. Some literature and stakeholders indicate that children's advocacy centers improve coordination and make the process less traumatic to children. However, children's advocacy centers have a limited statewide accountability system and limited information on their efficiency and outcomes.
  • While the state's 20 children's advocacy centers are primarily funded by local donations and grants, the Legislature has appropriated funds to five children's advocacy centers since Fiscal Year 1999-2000. If future state funding is provided to children's advocacy centers an accountability system is needed.


Related Reports
  1. Progress Report: Children's Advocacy Centers Authorized to Receive State Funds, But Need Additional Accountability
    Report 04-55 August 2004
  2. Progress Report of Justification Review: Child Protection Program, Department of Children and Families
    Report 02-16 March 2002
  3. Guardian Ad Litem Placement May Shift for Reasons of Funding and Conflict of Interest
    Report 02-10 February 2002
  4. Child Protection Program
    Report 01-14 March 2001
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
social services, health, child abuse, advocacy, protective investigations, children's advocacy centers, child protection teams