This week, MinnPost published an opinion piece underscoring a critical message: Every abused child deserves a coordinated response, but this isn’t the reality for many suffering children in Minnesota.
The piece was written by Marcia Milliken, Executive Director of Minnesota’s Children’s Alliance and member of the Minnesota Child Safety Coalition.
Milliken stresses that, while child abuse is a difficult issue to confront, we must not look away. Thousands of Minnesota children experience abuse each year at the hands of adults who are meant to protect them, and acknowledging this reality is the first step toward change.
Milliken highlights two proven models that help children heal:
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Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs),
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Multidisciplinary Teams (MDTs).
Minnesota has 13 CACs, which conduct forensic interviews in a child-centered, trauma-informed setting. CACs also provide advocacy as children and caregivers navigate the criminal justice system, specialized medical evaluations, and essential mental health services. Yet only 27% of alleged victims ever receive services through a CAC– meaning far too many miss out on the support they need.
Every county in Minnesota does, however, have an MDT– a team of professionals who collaborate on cases and make decisions with the child’s best interests at heart. Even when a CAC is far from reach, especially in out-state communities, MDTs remain a vital resource.
Still, these programs require strong, consistent support. Because so many children lack access to a CAC, the Minnesota Child Safety Coalition urged the Supreme Court Council on Child Protection to increase funding for CACs and to address critical service gaps across out-state Minnesota.
Children can recover from trauma and grow into happy and healthy adults, but only if we ensure they have the coordinated care and support they deserve.