The Northeast Regional Children's Advocacy Center (NRCAC), a project of the Philadelphia Children's Alliance (PCA), serves the nine (9) states in the northeast federal census region. As a regional grant recipient, NRCAC will deliver trainings and technical assistance (TTA) to Multi-disciplinary Teams (MDTs), Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs), and state chapter organizations through coordinated strategies for the purpose of improving the nation’s response to child abuse and neglect. Its focus is on developing new MDT responses, strengthening existing CAC responses to the investigation and prosecution of child abuse. NRCAC works closely with state chapter organizations to develop and strengthen their capacity to deliver TTA for the development and expansion of MDTs and CACs in their states.
Building on the collection of data from a national Chapter Needs Assessment, review of existing regional state chapter needs assessments and in collaboration with the other RCACs and the Tribal CAC TTA provider, a process for regular assessment of needs nationally will be assessed. A joint plan to create a coordinated approach for delivering TTA will be reviewed and revised annually.
NRCAC will continue to develop and expand resources such as TTA curricula, publications, podcasts and other sources of information sharing to address the trends and emerging needs of the northeast and nationally through collaboration with RCAC and VOCAA partners.
Opportunities for participants to gain skills and knowledge will continue to be delivered through virtual means as well as in-person as time and staff resources allow. This hybrid model of TTA delivery will result in more options for participants, increasing attendance, stretching resources and increasing our reach and efficiency tremendously.
Leadership development opportunities to support MDTs, CACs and MDT Facilitators will continue to be offered through collaboration of all the RCACs.
NRCAC recognizes the critical importance of ensuring racial equity and access to CAC services. By offering access to experts in intersectional identity issues opportunities to increase awareness and understanding will be afforded and prioritized to state chapters, CACs and MDTs. NRCAC continues its commitment to increasing efforts to identify and be inclusive of communities identified as underserved and historically marginalized.
NRCAC will participate with all VOCAA partners in the maintenance and review annually of a 5-year national strategic plan for the purpose of aligning efforts, maximizing resources, and defining clear roles and responsibilities. Such collaborative efforts will facilitate shared knowledge and resources effectively and efficiently.
