CACA Membership Policy
Membership Structure
1.
The goal of the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas (CACA) is: Every child in
Arkansas will be no more than one hour from a full service Children’s Advocacy Center
(CAC).
2.
The CACA has established three categories of program membership: Accredited,
Developing/Associate and Affiliate. One additional category of membership includes
honorary members.
3.
An Accredited Member CAC may operate one or more satellites provided that each
satellite meets National Children’s Alliance criteria for accreditation.
4.
An umbrella program may operate one or more CACs provided that each CAC meets
NCA criteria for accreditation.
5.
If more than one Accredited, Developing/Associate or Affiliate program in a service area
seeks to serve a common population, the CACA will grant member status to only one
program, unless the following occurs:
a)
The need for a second program is fully demonstrated/documented to the
satisfaction of the CACA. Criteria demonstrating need includes but is not limited
to the following:
 Travel time for client is significantly reduced
 A new Center would provide core services not currently being provided
 The existing CAC is unable or unwilling to adequately provide core
services for the entire population as defined by the CACA growth plan or
strategic plan
 Efforts have failed to improve the quantity/quality of core services
currently being provided
b)
The application demonstrates that a collaborative protocol between the two sites
has been developed for the service area.
The protocol furthers the mission of CACs; and
The application indicates that both sites meet all standards for membership in
NCA.
c)
d)
6.
CACA will provide review and consultation to local communities where multiple
programs seek to serve a common population/service area. Every effort will be made to
make this review/consultation fair, objective and productive. Should questions of
conflict of interest, favoritism or bias arise, CACA may, at its discretion, confer with
NCA or Southern Regional Child Advocacy Center (SRCAC) for guidance.
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7.
In communities where consensus has not been reached, CACA Board of Directors will
make recommendation(s) for Membership in CACA.
8.
A grievance committee of the Board of Directors will be established on an ad hoc basis,
comprised of individuals with objective perspective, to address instances where
agreement can not be reached regarding membership status or other concerns among
members. The grievance committee will carefully consider information from all parties
concerned and render a recommendation to the Board of Directors. The Board of
Directors has the final decision in all matters regarding membership status.
9.
Development of Tribal CACs is not considered a duplication of services when located in
close proximity to majority culture CACs.
Membership Process
The CACA has established three categories of membership: Accredited, Developing/Associate and
Affiliate. The standards of membership are listed herein, and membership in those categories
requires completion of a specific application and subsequent annual renewal application.
The CACA Executive Committee shall oversee the administration of this process. The CACA
Board of Directors determines membership status based upon recommendations from the Executive
Committee.
Membership Procedures:
1.
In order for a CAC in Arkansas to be eligible for benefits through the CACA, a CACs
application must be approved by the Board of Directors. All completed applications must
be submitted 60 days prior to a full board meeting.
2.
When a membership application is received by the Chapter Coordinator, a receipt of
acknowledgement will be sent to the applicant.
3.
The Chapter Coordinator will review all applications for completeness and forward
copies of all applications to members of the Executive Committee. Incomplete
applications may not be considered. Feedback and consultation will be provided by the
Chapter Coordinator for incomplete applications.
4.
When the Executive Committee determines that basic requirements for initial
Membership have been met, a site visit will be scheduled. The site visit will be
conducted by a CACA representative and will consist of a tour of the facility and a
meeting with the Executive Director and others as appropriate.
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5.
The Executive Committee will review and vote on the recommendations prior to the
Board of Directors’ final vote. All voting on membership applications must take place at
a physical board meeting. No online or conference call votes will be taken regarding
membership.
6.
The Board of Directors will vote on the recommendations of the Executive Committee.
7.
Any applicant may appeal a decision of membership to the Board of Directors by
presenting additional information using established grievance procedures; the Board of
Directors has the final decision in this matter.
8.
All applicants will be informed in writing of their membership status after the Board of
Directors has voted.
9.
A renewal dues notice will be sent to all Centers annually in August by the Grants
Finance Manager. Dues may be paid in full in September or by-annually in September
and March. Continuing membership is contingent upon timely payment of dues and
submission of the completed site visit and required documents.
10.
All current members are required to maintain membership standards. A site review will
be performed as follows: affiliate/annually, developing-associate/every two years,
accredited/every three years.
11.
New Executive Directors hired by a CAC, regardless of level of membership, are
required to attend CAC Management training at SRCAC within one year of hire. The
CACA Coordinator will also schedule to meet with the new director for orientation to
CACA.
Current and potential members of the CACA must comply with the applicable standards as listed
on the following pages.
Affiliate Member Standards
A group or organization intending to explore and develop a Childrens Advocacy Center may apply
for Affiliate Membership. Affiliate members must become NCA Affiliate Members within six
months of becoming a CACA Affiliate Member.
Affiliate Membership is renewable for one year. Therefore, Affiliate Members must apply for
Developing/Associate Membership within two years of receiving Affiliate Membership status. If
Developing/Associate Member status is not applied for within two years, membership status may be
reduced to non-membership. The CAC will have to reapply for Affiliate Membership status. A
member may apply for an extension, with due cause letter, to remain a member of the CACA.
Reapplication can be submitted after 12 months for consideration by the CACA Board of Directors.
If Developing/Associate Member status is applied for but not received from CACA, the program
has one additional year to rectify any deficiencies.
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A group or organization seeking Affiliate Membership status must:
 Have a local Child Advocacy Center Memorandum of Understanding/MOU signed by
representatives from law enforcement, the Arkansas State Police (CACD), the Prosecutor’s
Office, the Department of Health and Human Services, mental health services, and medical
services (county MDT)
 Have a one year start-up plan (with a 12 month timeline) which details efforts to develop a
CAC
 Provide an annual budget which demonstrates the source of sufficient resources to support
the feasibility of CAC services.
 The Commission approved and state recognized multidisciplinary team and member
applicant needs to show documentation of receiving technical assistance or training specific
to team development or CAC development from Childrens Advocacy Centers of Arkansas,
Arkansas Commission on Child Abuse, Rape, and Domestic Violence, National Childrens
Alliance, the Southern Regional Child Advocacy Center, or others recognized by the CACA
 If CAC has a forensic interview component *, ensure all staff or contract professionals
conducting forensic interviews at a CAC Member Center are trained by a nationally
recognized forensic interview training, such as Child First Arkansas, prior to conducting
forensic interviews with children. If a center cannot meet this standard they must submit a
letter of due cause to the board of directors for recommendation
 If CAC has a forensic interview component *, proof CAC forensic interviewers participate in
the CACA state Forensic Interview Peer Review on a regular basis
 If CAC has a medical component *, have a Medical Director experienced in sexual assault
examinations and findings review the work of the SANE or doctor for/at the CAC or an
advanced medical consultant to provide this service and have a signed MOU with SANE or
doctor trained in providing child abuse exams
 If CAC has a medical component*, CAC medical staff or contract staff that conduct any
exams (i.e. SANE, Medical Director ) participate in state medical peer review by doctors of
Arkansas Childrens Hospital or other designate physician approved by the CACA
 If a CAC has an advocacy component*, it is suggested designated staff obtain Advocacy 101
training by SRCAC
 Provide a signed state collaborative protocol with other CAC programs
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 Agree to participate in the CACA Mentoring Program. This consists of the member
initiating at least one contact per month, via email or phone, with the Chapter Coordinator
regarding the developing of their CAC. The member will also initiate at least once contact
per month, via email or phone, with a member center Executive Director to obtain education
on the developing of their CAC program. Each center is responsible for keeping a contact
log with all monthly contacts for one year and must be turned in with quarterly CACA
reports
 Maintain active involvement of Center Director or representative in CACA meetings and
committees
 Provide a list of CAC Board of Directors to include contact information (when a board has
been formed)
 Provide a letter of commitment signed by the board of directors (required at time of
application if applicant is part of an umbrella non- profit organization) as to the commitment
of the development of a CAC
 Completed CAC informational presentation conducted by the CACA State Chapter
Coordinator to the county MDT and other community members interested in CAC
development
 Provide documentation of planning meetings with MDT members and work group
committee on CAC development in county of interest
 Explain proposed service area (discussion will need to have occur with adjacent CAC’s and
MDTs regarding service areas)
 Collect and report statistical data required by the CACA once center begins providing
services
 Provide a narrative on how applicant/group plans to meet each of the ten NCA Standards
 Provide a narrative on how applicant/group meets each of the above CACA requirements
* 501©3 status must be received as well as developed CAC policies, procedures
and protocols for each service offered (advocacy, medical, forensic interview,
therapy) before a CAC can offer services.
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Developing/Associate Member Standards
Organizations who have developed an operational CAC but are not Accredited by NCA may apply
for Developing/Associate Membership if such organization has achieved NCA
Developing/Associate Member status.*
Developing/Associate Membership is renewable for one year. Therefore, Developing/Associate
Members must apply for Accredited Membership within two years of receiving
Developing/Associate Membership status. If Accredited Member status is not applied for within
two years, membership status may be reduced to non-membership status. A member may apply for
an extension, with due cause letter, to remain a member of the CACA. Reapplication for
Developing/Associate Member status can be submitted after 12 months for consideration by the
CACA Board of Directors. If Accredited Member status is applied for but not received, the
program has one additional year to rectify any deficiencies.
*it is understood that affiliate membership criteria has been met
Organizations seeking Developing/Associate Membership status must:
 Be a private non-profit 501© 3 organization (letter, incorporation and by-laws required) in
which onsite advocacy and forensic interviews are conducted and have the specifically
stated purpose of providing services for children in cases of suspected cases of child abuse;
 Have a signed Child Advocacy Center Memorandum of Understanding/MOU signed by
representatives of law enforcement, the Prosecutors office, the Department of Health and
Human Services, mental health services, medical services and the CAC (county MDT);
 Have a one year development plan and have a designated, accessible staff assigned solely to
the operation of the program for a minimum of 20 hours per week;
 Ensure all staff or contract professionals conducting forensic interviews at a CAC Member
Center are trained by a nationally recognized forensic interview training, such as Child First
Arkansas, prior to conducting forensic interviews with children. If a center cannot meet this
standard they must submit a letter of due cause to the board of directors for recommendation
 CAC forensic interviewers participate in the CACA state Forensic Interview Peer Review on
a regular basis
 Provide advocacy services through a designated CAC volunteer or staff person
 Provide a list of staff members and job descriptions
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 Have an annual budget which includes sufficient resources to support CAC services
provided. If an umbrella agency, please provide proof of the previous year’s annual audit
along with the annual budget.
 Have established a site for a CAC and have provided services for six months
 Signed state collaborative protocol with CAC programs
 Established CAC policies, procedures and protocols for CAC program services
 Provide a safe, designated, child-friendly facility where involved agencies can conduct
investigative interviews and evaluations
 Collect and report statistical data required by the CACA and other sources
 Have an adequate case tracking mechanism
 Maintain active involvement of Center Director or representative in CACA meetings and
committees
 Have a supportive and functioning MDT approved by the Commission on Child Abuse,
Rape and Domestic Violence
 Have an end of year financial statement
 Have a signed MOA with a SANE (sexual assault nurse examiner) or doctor trained in
providing child abuse exams
 If CAC has a medical component, have a Medical Director experienced in sexual assault
examinations and findings review the work of the SANE or doctor for/at the CAC or an
advanced medical consultant to provide this service
 CAC medical staff or contract staff that conduct any exams (i.e. SANE, Medical Director )
participate in state medical peer review by doctors of Arkansas Childrens Hospital or other
designate physician approved by the CACA
 Agree to participate in the CACA Mentoring Program. Developing/Associate members who
are established will assist Affiliate members. If the member first joins the chapter as a
Developing/Associate member, the member will initiate at least one contact per month, via
email or phone, with the Chapter Coordinator regarding the developing of their CAC. The
member will also initiate at least once contact per month, via email or phone, with a member
center Executive Director to obtain education on the developing of their CAC program.
Each center is responsible for keeping a contact log with all monthly contacts for one year
and to be turned in with quarterly CACA reports.
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Accredited Membership Standards
A CAC may apply for Accredited Membership after the organization has achieved NCA
accreditation. *
*it is understood that affiliate and developing/associate membership criteria has been met
Organizations seeking Accredited Membership status must
 Be a private non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and have the specifically stated purpose of
providing services for children in cases of suspected child abuse
 Have a signed Child Advocacy Center Memorandum of Understanding/MOU signed by
representatives from law enforcement, Arkansas State Police (CACD), Prosecutor’s office,
Department of Health and Human Services, mental health service and medical service
representatives (county MDT)
 Have a Multidisciplinary Team coordinated systems approach to the investigative process of
child abuse cases with on-site interviews. MDT must be approved by the Commission on
Child Abuse, Rape, and Domestic Violence
 Provide a safe, designated, child-friendly facility where involved agencies can conduct
investigative interviews and evaluations
 Have a designated, accessible staff assigned solely to the operation of the program for a
minimum of 30 hours per week
 Provide mental health services and medical exams either on-site or through community
referrals
 Provide advocacy services through a designated CAC staff person
 Ensure all staff or contract professionals conducting forensic interviews at a CAC Member
Center are trained by the nationally recognized forensic interview training, such as Child
First Arkansas, prior to conducting forensic interviews with children. If a center cannot meet
this standard they must submit a letter of due cause to the board of directors for
recommendation
 CAC forensic interviewers participate in the CACA state Forensic Interview Peer Review on
a regular basis
 Participate in Multidisciplinary Team case staffings at least monthly with consistent
representation from CAC, law enforcement, Arkansas State Police (CACD), DHHS, and
Prosecutor’s office, mental health and medical
 Signed state collaborative protocol with other CAC programs
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 Established CAC policies, procedures and protocols for CAC program services
 Provide opportunities for specialized training for Multidisciplinary Team members
 Collect and report statistical data required by the CACA and other sources
 Have NCAtrak database (scholarships are usually available by CACA)
 Have an annual budget, end of year financial statement and annual audit
 Maintain active involvement of Center Director or representative in CACA meetings and
committees
 Have a signed MOA with a SANE or doctor specialized in performing child abuse exams
 CAC medical staff or contract staff that conduct any exams (i.e. SANE, Medical Director )
participate in state medical peer review by doctors of Arkansas Childrens Hospital or other
designate physician approved by the CACA
 Have a Medical Director experienced in sexual assault examinations and findings review the
work of the SANE or doctor for/at the CAC or an advanced medical consultant to provide
this service
 Participate in the CACA Mentoring Program. Accredited center members will assist
Affiliate and Developing/Associate members when needed
Other Membership Levels
The CAC has designated one additional category of membership: honorary members.
Honorary Attendees – From time to time, the CACA may invite an organization or individual to
become an honorary member of the CACA based on their position or role in the development of
CACs in the state. A member may recommend an attendee via email and an online vote will take
place prior to the meeting. On occasion, an honorary attendee may be voted in as a continual
attendee.
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Voting and Dues
The Board of Directors of the CACA will determine a dues schedule. Dues will be paid in full in
September 1st or by-annually September 1st and March 1st in two payments.
Current dues are:
Accredited member:
Developing/Associate Member:
Affiliate Member
(Start up funding applications are
Abuse, Rape, and DV)
Honorary Member:
$4000
$4000
$4000
generally available year round thru the Commission on Child
$0
Voting privileges for member agencies are:
Accredited member
one vote
Developing/Associate member:
one vote
Affiliate member:
no vote
Honorary member:
no vote
Chapter Support Letters
CACA members may request a chapter support letter when they are applying for NCA membership
levels. The member making the request must consider the below requirements prior to requesting a
support letter. The requests must be made in writing to the Chapter Coordinator 30 days before the
letter is needed. The Chapter Coordinator will report the request to the Executive Board.
Chapter support letters may be requested after:
1. A center Executive Director or Board President has fulfilled the NCA requirements of the
level of membership requested and can provide, to the chapter coordinator, proof those
requirements are being fulfilled. (I.e. Affiliate, Associate/Developing/, and Accredited).
Those levels are listed on the NCA website.
2. A center Executive Director or Board President has actively participated in CACA
mentoring with the Chapter Coordinator and other Executive Director in the chapter.
3. A site visit by the Chapter Coordinator is conducted.
Adopted by CAC Board of Directors: 6/1/06
Amended 4/2011
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