Yavapai Family Advocacy Center
In October of 2000, the Yavapai Family Advocacy Center opened its doors for the first time. Based on recommendations of the Yavapai County Children’s Justice Task Force, the YFAC was designed to create an integrated victim-centered approach to family violence. The center is an innovative, comprehensive and coordinated response to reduce victim trauma, integrate investigation, and enhance prosecution of domestic violence and child abuse crimes. Since its inception, the center has served over 2,000 victims.
The YFAC is a project of Prevent Child Abuse Arizona (PCA Arizona). Their mission is to promote programs and policies which ensure that children grow up safe and healthy, free from abuse and neglect.
"I love my kids, and I will do everything in my power to protect them. This place is helping all of us heal."
Services
An advocacy center:
- Enhances the success of the individual agencies & professionals
- Decreases further trauma to victims
- Increases community safety and awareness
- Minimizes the possibility of further victimization
- Provides consequences for bad acts
- Strengthens families
When professionals respond in a coordinated manner, the cycle of violence is derailed. The response of an advocacy center deals with the immediate crisis and provides follow-up services to assure that the underlying needs of the family are addressed. Advocates and therapists assess the needs of the family and facilitate the linkage to resources that allow the family to overcome the obstacles that prevent them from providing a healthy and violence-free life for their children. An advocacy center provides community and professional education and awareness. Outreach to the community provides information to recognize the signs of abuse and instruction on how to report suspicions of abuse. Professional education delivers quality education on investigative and prosecution techniques.
"I have used the advocacy center when I was on standby and allegations were made of sexual abuse. The YFAC handled the situation very professionally. I believe the experience was comfortable/competent as it could be for the child and myself."
Volunteer/Donate
The Yavapai Family Advocacy Center has volunteer opportunities for office/receptionist, child supervision, events, public speaking, organize donated items.
Donations are accepted through our website and by mail. Telephone 928-775-0669 for further information.
A current “wish list” is posted on our website.
Annual Events
Each year our volunteers put together Easter baskets to be sold. A local restaurateur displays them at his restaurant for sale. The detectives and CPS professionals are asked to either buy a basket or to help us sell them. Although the event does not bring in a great deal of money, it allows our professional partners to become involved and brings our name and our cause out into the community to celebrate an uplifting holiday.
"As a Patrol Supervisor I am very pleased with the response we receive from the YFAC. I have received nothing but positive feedback from victims families about their experience there."