Heart to Heart Child Advocacy Center

Heart to Heart Child’s Advocacy Center (CAC) is a nationally and North Carolina state-accredited Tribal Child Advocacy Center dedicated to providing child-focused, trauma-informed services to children who are alleged victims of abuse or who have witnessed violence, along with their non-offending caregivers. Our mission is to reduce trauma, promote healing, and ensure children and families receive coordinated, compassionate support during difficult times. Through a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach, we help children and families navigate the healing process with dignity, compassion, and culturally responsive care.

Who We Serve

We serve children and families impacted by:​

• Physical Abuse
• Sexual Abuse
• Neglect
• Exposure to Violence

Why CACs Matter

When abuse is reported, families often face multiple systems at once, including Family Safety (Tribal Child Protective Services), law enforcement, medical providers, and the legal system. CACs bring these partners together to provide a coordinated response, reducing the number of times a child must share their story and helping families navigate the process more effectively.

Core Services We Provide

Forensic Interviews
Conducted by trained professionals in a developmentally appropriate, non-leading manner, designed to gather information while minimizing trauma to a child.

Family Advocacy 
Ongoing support for non-offending caregivers, including crisis intervention, education about the process, and helping with resources that may be needed.

Mental Health Services
Access to trauma-focused therapy services and referrals to community mental health providers.

Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Coordination
Collaboration with Family Safety, law enforcement, medical providers, federal partners, and prosecutors to ensure coordinated cause planning.

Community Referrals & Resources
Connections to medical care, therapy services, victim compensation, victim compensation, victim compensation, victim compensation, victim compensation, and other support for families.

Our Approach

Child-centered and family focused
Trauma-informed
Strength-based and collaborative

Our Impact

Reduce trauma for children
Support and empower families
Promote safety, healing, and long-term well-being

For more information or to contact HEART TO HEART staff, please call 828-359-6312

Heart to Heart is currently located in the Ginger Lynn Welch Complex where the Human Resources Department was previously located, adjacent to the library.

Additional Resources:

• National Children’s Advocacy Center
• National Children’s Alliance