The Children’s Advocacy Center model was pioneered in 1985 by former Congressman Robert E. “Bud” Cramer while serving as District Attorney in Madison County, Alabama. The model transformed child abuse investigations by bringing professionals together in one coordinated, child-centered response that reduced trauma for children.(nationalcac.org)
The Jefferson Children’s Advocacy Center wasn’t founded because someone wanted to open a building. It was founded because a community believed children deserved a better response.
In October 1988, Jefferson Parish District Attorney John M. Mamoulides brought together leaders from law enforcement, child protection, medical, mental health, and victim services to answer one important question: How could we better protect children while reducing the trauma of the investigative process?
That multidisciplinary task force laid the foundation for Louisiana’s first Children’s Advocacy Center, changing forever how child abuse cases would be investigated and how children and families would be served in Jefferson Parish.
⭐️ 1992 | Charter Member of the National Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers
As one of the nation’s earliest Children’s Advocacy Centers, the Jefferson CAC became a charter member of the National Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers, helping shape the collaborative, child-centered Children’s Advocacy Center model now used by more than 900 CACs nationwide.
As the needs of our community grew, so did our commitment to expanding services while keeping children and families at the center of everything we do.
In September 2023, following years of dedicated efforts, successful fundraising, significant renovations, and strong community support —largely facilitated by the Jefferson Parish Council— the Jefferson CAC has established its new headquarters in a freshly revamped 5,000 sq. ft. facility located in Terrytown. This facility proudly operates as the John M. Mamoulides Jefferson Children’s Advocacy Center, bringing together all services for child abuse victims in a cohesive environment, fostering a unified sanctuary for healing and support.
Over the past 35 years, the Jefferson Children’s Advocacy Center has continued to evolve to meet the changing needs of children and families while remaining true to the vision established by its founders.
- 1988 – Child Victims Task Force established to improve the community’s response to child abuse investigations.
- 1989 – Inspired by a visit to Huntsville, Alabama, community leaders commit to bringing the Children’s Advocacy Center model to Louisiana.
- 1991 – Jefferson Children’s Advocacy Center opens as Louisiana’s first Children’s Advocacy Center and the seventh in the nation.
- 1992 – Becomes a Charter Member of the National Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers.
- 2001 – Expands trauma-focused mental health services and launches child abuse prevention education programs.
- 2016 – Establishes the Community Care Coordinator program to provide advocacy, support, and resource coordination for children and caregivers.
- 2002 – Achieves National Accreditation through the National Children’s Alliance.
- September 2023 – Opens the John M. Mamoulides Jefferson Children’s Advocacy Center, expanding services in a larger, purpose-built facility.
- October 2023 – Begins offering on-site forensic medical exams, further strengthening the Center’s coordinated multidisciplinary response.
- April 2026 – Welcomes Diggory III, the Center’s first certified facility dog, and launches the Paws for Healing program.
