The recipient entity's physical address:
           1371 Corporate Square Drive
Slidell, LA 70458

The recipient entity's mailing address (if different):
           1371 Corporate Square Drive
Slidell, LA 70458

Type of Entity (for instance, a nonprofit corporation):  Non-Profit Corporation

If the entity is a corporation, list the names of the incorporators:
          

The last four digits of the entity's taxpayer ID number:  9783

What is the dollar amount of the request?  $3,000,000

What type of request is this?  General Appropriation

Is this entity in good standing with the Secretary of State?  Yes

Provide the name of each member of the recipient entity's governing board and officers:
           LACAC Key Personnel for Proposed Funding:
Krystle Mitchell
1371 Corporate Square Drive
Slidell, LA 70458

Erika Dupepe President
220 Lavoisier St.
Gretna, LA 70053

Julie Olsen Vice President
134 Magnolia Dr.
Belle Chasse, LA 70037

Ashley Rubin Secretary
706 Sycamore St
Pineville, LA 71360

Anna Grimmett Treasurer
614 N. 2nd St,
Monroe, LA 71201

Donald Hodge, Member-at-Large

Kimberly Young
P.O. Box 53967
Lafayette, LA 70505
Aelania Auzenne
1700 Buckner Square, Suite 101,
Shreveport, LA 71101

Bernadette Pickett
305 Verret St.
Houma, LA 70360

Andree Mattix
3504 East Louisiana State Dr
Kenner LA

April Lucia
11242 Clover Knoll Drive
Covington, LA

Adam Rivette
346 Bayou Road,
Port Barre, LA 70577

Leisa Lawson

Provide a summary of the project or program:
           The Louisiana Alliance of Children’s Advocacy Centers (LACAC) is a non-profit organization established for the empowerment, collaboration, & advocacy of Louisiana’s Children’s Advocacy Centers (CAC). LACAC is the nationally recognized state chapter for Louisiana CACs, representing the independent centers.

CACs protect and care for victims of child abuse including victims of physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, human trafficking, and children who witness violent crime. In 2023, over 7,000 Louisiana children were brought to a CAC. As recognized by the legislature in the Children’s Code (Article 521-526), the CAC model is the preferred response to allegations of criminal child abuse in the state. CACs assume tremendous responsibility on behalf of and in partnership with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure a coordinated response to child abuse.

At a CAC, a child shares their experiences of abuse with a trained forensic interviewer. Interviews are video recorded and admissible in court as evidence. Interviews are developmentally appropriate, unbiased, and legally sound. This process reduces trauma by minimizing the number of times children have to talk about their abuse experience. Through the CAC, victims and their families have access to therapy and resources as CAC advocates help them through the investigative process. The multidisciplinary team (MDT), made up of representatives from law enforcement, child welfare, prosecution, medical, mental health, victim advocacy, and the CAC, collaborates from the point of report and throughout a child’s involvement with the CAC. This collaborative process prevents duplication of services, reduces trauma, and improves both investigative and treatment outcomes. For quality assurance, CACs are required to maintain rigorous national accreditation standards through the National Children’s Alliance (NCA).

An appropriation of $3 million would increase the quality and accessibility of services for child abuse victims and their families through CACs.

What is the budget relative to the project for which funding is requested?:
          Salaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . $0
          Professional Services. . . $0
          Contracts . . . . . . . . . . . $0
          Acquisitions . . . . . . . . . $0
          Major Repairs . . . . . . . $0
          Operating Services. . . . $0
          Other Charges. . . . . . . $3,000,000

Does your organization have any outstanding audit issues or findings?  Yes

If 'Yes' is your organization working with the appropriate governmental agencies to resolve those issues or findings?
          Yes

What is the entity's public purpose, sought to be achieved through the use of state monies?
          The main objective of utilizing state funds is to guarantee that every child and family affected by abuse in Louisiana can access comprehensive, high-quality care, justice, and healing through the services provided by a Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC).

CACs currently receive funding from the Louisiana legislature, which is crucial in supporting their operations. For the fiscal year 2024-25, state funds will continue to be allocated to CACs, ensuring the delivery of essential services as outlined in the Louisiana Children’s Code (Chapter 2, Articles 521 - 526). This legislation provides a framework for the operation and purpose of CACs, ensuring accountability and consistency in service delivery.

The state funds will support a variety of critical programs designed to assist child abuse victims and their families. These include forensic interviews, which allow children to provide their accounts of abuse in a safe and supportive environment; forensic medical evaluations and treatment to address both physical and emotional injuries; and family advocacy services that help families navigate the complex legal and social services systems. Additionally, CACs employ a multidisciplinary team approach, bringing together professionals from law enforcement, child protective services, and mental health fields to comprehensively respond to each case.

Community outreach and training are also integral components of CAC operations, as they promote awareness about child abuse and educate communities on prevention strategies. Moreover, trauma-informed therapy is essential for helping affected children process their experiences and begin the healing journey.

The definition of a CAC, as articulated in the Children’s Code, ensures that all funds are restricted to these specific purposes, maintaining a focused approach. Increasing the funding for CACs will not only strengthen these existing programs but also facilitate the expansion of services to reach populations that are currently underserved. A fully funded network of CACs will provide a more robust and consistent support system across the state, ensuring that all children and families in need can receive timely assistance.

A significant portion of the state funding will be allocated to the Louisiana Alliance of Children’s Advocacy Centers (LACAC), which will be responsible for managing the distribution of funds and providing support for the state chapter's programs and operations.

Specifically, an appropriation of $3 million is proposed to significantly enhance the quality and accessibility of services available to child abuse victims and their families through the CACs. This funding level would align Louisiana with other states of similar population sizes that support effective child advocacy services. Investing in CACs is a moral imperative and a smart fiscal strategy. The CAC model demonstrates a strong return on investment; on average, it saves approximately $1,000 per child abuse investigation. These savings reflect the efficiency of the CAC model in providing immediate support and assistance and promoting better long-term outcomes for survivors. Ultimately, funding CACs contributes to society's overall well-being by addressing the immediate needs of children in crisis and fostering healthier communities.

What are the goals and objectives for achieving such purpose?
          To support the delivery of core services and adherence to specified CAC responsibilities as defined by the LA Children’s Code Art 521-526;

To foster the growth and expansion of CAC services to increase access to underserved populations and communities;

To support and expand the organizational capacity of CACs;

To assist CACs in achieving and maintaining national accreditation standards to promote statewide quality assurance.

What is the proposed length of time estimated by the entity to accomplish the purpose?
           Ongoing/ annually

If any elected or appointed state official or an immediate family member of such an official is an officer, director, trustee, or employee of the recipient entity who receives compensation or holds any ownership interest therein:
     (a) If an elected or appointed state official, the name and address of the official and the office held by such person:
                 n/a
    
     (b) If an immediate family member of an elected or appointed state official, the name and address of such person; the name, address, and office of the official to whom the person is related; and the nature of the relationship:
                 n/a

     (c) The percentage of the official's or immediate family member's ownership interest in the recipient entity, if any:
                 n/a

     (d) The position, if any, held by the official or immediate family member in the recipient entity:
                  n/a

If the recipient entity has a contract with any elected or appointed state official or an immediate family member of such an official or with the state or any political subdivision of the state:
(a) If the contract is with an elected or appointed state official, provide the name and address of the official and the office held by such person: 
               n/a

(b) If the contract is with an immediate family member of an elected or appointed state official:
          Provide the name and address of such person:
               n/a

          Provide the name, address, and office of the official to whom the person is related:
                n/a

          What is the nature of the relationship?  n/a

(c) If the contract is with the state or a political subdivision of the state, provide the name and address of the state entity or political subdivision of the state:
                 Office of the Governor and Department of Children and Family Services

(d) The nature of the contract, including a description of the goods or services provided or to be provided pursuant to the contract:
               LACAC serves as the primary sub-recipient of a significant grant awarded by the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) to the Office of the Governor of Louisiana as well as Act 662 funding from the Department of Children and Family Services. These funding sources support the Louisiana Child and Youth Trafficking Collaborative (LCYTC), a comprehensive statewide initiative designed to enhance the outcomes for child and youth victims of sex and labor trafficking.

The LCYTC aims to achieve its goals through a multi-disciplinary approach that promotes enhanced collaboration among various stakeholders. This includes government agencies, law enforcement, social services, healthcare providers, and non-profit organizations, all working together to create a robust network of support for affected individuals. By coordinating resources effectively and improving the response and delivery of services, the initiative seeks to provide a more effective safety net for victims.

In addition to reducing the prevalence of child and youth sex and labor trafficking in Louisiana, the LCYTC focuses on strengthening the identification and support systems for these vulnerable populations. Louisiana’s Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs) are already engaged in providing critical services to victims of human trafficking. With the support of the LCYTC, this project aims to enhance the existing statewide network of coordinated local multi-disciplinary teams.

Furthermore, it will facilitate connections among various agencies and community partners, ensuring that victims receive comprehensive, streamlined assistance. By fostering cooperation and communication between different entities, the LCYTC aspires to create a unified front against trafficking, ultimately leading to better recovery outcomes and long-term support for child and youth victims in Louisiana.


Contact Information
name:  Krystle Mitchell 
                                       address:  1371 Corporate Square Drive
Slidell, LA 70458
                                       phone:  2287315566
                                       fax: 
                                       e-mail:  krystle@lacacs.org
                                       relationship to entity:  Executive Director