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Formed in 2011, the CARE Center is a non-profit program formed through a partnership with the Queen Anne’s County Department of Social Services, the State’s Attorney Office, local law enforcement and mental health professionals.

A place to coordinate investigative, medical, mental health and legal services, the CARE Center provides a warm, child-friendly environment for collaborative services surrounding child abuse as well as providing family advocacy support for non-offending caregivers.

“It’s important to celebrate the partnerships who work hard for the children in the community,� said Child Advocacy Center advocate Carole Friend.

Using this collaborative multi-disciplinary approach, the CARE Center brings key professionals together under one roof to work on behalf of the best interests of the child.

The center brings all necessary officials to one place and children only have to tell their story once, Alex Sweetak, Center assistant director said.

The center is also home to wellness activities to support mindfulness and reduce anxieties, educational resources, and a family room where advocates like Friend, can meet with children in a safe, friendly environment.

From ages nine months to 17, the center works with Â鶹´«Ã½ to provide outreach and information and provides referrals to community agencies, she said. Even after the interviews, the Center continues to work with children and families as much as they need, according to Friend.

“It definitely makes a difference for the children in our community,� said Friend.

Officials noted child advocacy has come a long way over the years and the Center stands at the forefront of allowing conversations and erasing stigma.