Southern Tier Child Advocacy Center

A program of the Allegany County Department of Social Services in partnership with Ardent Solutions, Inc.
Main Office: 772 Main Street, Olean, New York 14760
Allegany County Satellite Office: 22 West State Street, Wellsville, New York 14895
Business Office: 7 Court Street, Belmont, New York 14813
Phone Number: 716-372-8532
Mission

The mission of the Southern Tier Child Advocacy Center is to provide a coordinated, multi-disciplinary approach to child victims of sexual and physical abuse. We provide a safe, child-friendly environment for interviews, medical examinations and support to child victims and their non-offending family members.
We are committed to reducing trauma, promoting justice, and fostering healing thereby empowering victims. The Southern Tier Child Advocacy Center is designed to ensure that children are not further victimized by the intervention system designed to protect them. The STCAC is a child-friendly center where more than 50 professionals from 16 agencies in Allegany and Cattaraugus counties work together to investigate child abuse case and provide services to abused children. Cases are managed by a multidisciplinary team in a collaborative effort, each helping the other achieve the Center’s goals.
What Will Happen at the Child Advocacy Center?

The Child Advocacy Center is a safe, child friendly location for children to come speak with trained interviewers or one of our medical providers. We know this can be an anxious time for you and your family. When we are able, one of our child advocates will be calling you before the interview or medical evaluation to answer any of your questions. But you do not have to wait. If you have questions and need answers, please call and ask to talk to the Family Advocate assigned to your child’s case. We would rather you call than worry.
At the Child Advocacy Center, we work with a team of professionals from law enforcement, child protective services, and the district attorney’s office. When you come to the Child Advocacy Center, you will be able to meet the professionals working on your child’s case and ask them further questions. While you’re talking to the team, one of our advocates will be showing your child(ren) around the Child Advocacy Center. They will get to see the room where they will be talking and have a snack. If they have questions or worries, they can ask their advocate anything.
What Services are Offered at the Child Advocacy Center?
Frequently Asked Questions
Professional Development and Community Training
The Child Advocacy Center is proud to provide training to members of the community on identifying, reporting, and preventing child abuse. These training opportunities are scheduled multiple times throughout the year. The Child Advocacy Center is also available to come to your agency or group to provide training. To request a specific training for your group, please call us at 716-372-8532. Our trainings include:
- Overview and Tour of the Child Advocacy Center: 45-60 minutes, no cost
- Come visit the Southern Tier Child Advocacy Center and learn how we operate. Call to schedule your tour.
- Darkness to Light: Stewards of Children: 2 hours, no cost
- Human Trafficking 101: 1.5 hours, no cost
- Online Safety: 1 hours, no cost
Safe Harbour
The commercial sexual exploitation of children is a global problem and one that impacts children in our own communities. The Southern Tier Child Advocacy Center is a member of Allegany and Cattaraugus Counties’ Safe Harbour Programs. We work with partners across our communities to promote awareness of youth trafficking and identify and provide comprehensive services to potential victims of commercial sexual exploitation.
CSEC is a form of Child Trafficking and refers to any person under the age of 18 who engages, agrees to engage in or offers to engage in sexual conduct in exchange for anything of value including money, food, shelter, clothing, education, or care.
Examples of CSEC include:
- Child sex trafficking
- Street prostitution
- Gang based trafficking
- Escort services/private parties
- Internet based exploitation
- Commercial production of child pornography
- The online transmission of live video of a child engaged in sexual activity in exchange for anything of value
The Southern Tier Child Advocacy Center can serve children who are often homeless or living in unstable, unhealthy situations. Our program is making significant strides against youth trafficking and helping children survive unimaginable crimes. To learn more, please contact Dave Chambers at 716-372-8532.
If You Suspect Abuse: All of us are responsible for all children. If you suspect child abuse and/or neglect, please call the New York State Children Abuse Hotline at (800) 342-3720 or your nearest law enforcement agency immediately and report what you have seen. Your confidentiality will be respected.