Who We Are

The Pueblo Child Advocacy Center (PCAC) was established in 1987 to provide Pueblo County with a coordinated, multidisciplinary and humane approach to the problem of child abuse.  The welcoming, homelike atmosphere at the PCAC puts children at ease, increases the effectiveness of the investigative process and greatly reduces the trauma to children during the investigation.

What We Do

The PCAC coordinates a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary response to child abuse/sexual assault on children reports to meet the needs of child victims and their families.  We provide a warm, nurturing environment in which criminal investigations, medical exams, crisis intervention, victim’s assistance, treatment and court preparations can be provided.

How it Works

When a child abuse or sexual assault on a child report is received by the Pueblo County Department of Social Services, Pueblo Police Department, or Pueblo County Sheriff's Office, the child is brought to the PCAC for an interview.  The child is interviewed by professionals in law enforcement and social services together.  The Special Victims Unit at the Pueblo Police Department has a team of 4 highly trained detectives that specialize in Child Forensic Interviews. 

When warranted, the child receives a medical exam by specially trained medical professionals at the PCAC.  Medical professionals are on call for the PCAC 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.  This ensures that a child can be seen by a highly trained medical professional immediately in emergency cases.

Optimally, when a child is seen in the emergency room at either St. Mary Corwin Hospital or Parkview Medical Center for injuries relating to child abuse or sexual assault, the child should be sent to the PCAC for an exam.  The PCAC provides an on-call schedule and list of emergency contacts to both Pueblo hospitals every month.

What to Expect

The PCAC is located at 301 West 13th Street (the northwest corner of 13th Street and Court Street) and the main entrance faces 13th Street (south).  The exterior doors are always locked to maintain security for the children and their families. 

When you ring the doorbell, you are greeted by a friendly staff member who assesses your situation/needs.  Every child and his/her family member who walks through the door at the PCAC can expect to be treated gently, compassionately and with respect.

After you enter the PCAC, you encounter a large and comfortable living room and kitchen.  There is a separate play room full of toys for kids of all ages and a television/video player with plenty of movies and cartoons for additional entertainment.

The child and his/her family are introduced to the professionals who will assist them: a social worker and a law enforcement detective for an interview or a medical professional for a medical exam. 

The PCAC has 2 interview rooms that resemble private family room settings and all interviews are recorded on state-of-the-art digital audio/video equipment.  Medical exams are conducted in a private, child friendly bedroom setting.  A state-of-the-art Colposcope is used to record the findings of each exam.

Every child gets to pick a toy from the playroom to take home after their interview is complete.  The child's parent/guardian receives helpful information on what to expect next and information on any additional resources that may be available to them.

PCAC History/Accomplishments

• The PCAC was the first Child Advocacy Center in the State of Colorado and one of the six original Child Advocacy Centers in the United States.

• The PCAC is fully accredited with the National Children's Alliance.

• The PCAC moved to a brand new state-of-the-art facility at 301 West 13th Street at the end of 2006.

• The PCAC proudly serves the following counties;  Pueblo, Crowley, Otero, Bent, Las Animas, Huerfano, Baca, Prowers, Kiowa, Fremont, Chaffee, Park, and Custer. 

• Comprehensive services at the PCAC help provide hope and healing for hundreds of child victims and their families every year.