DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — The first Child Advocacy Center in the country got its start 40 years ago. The one in Vermilion County is much newer, but its mission is the same.

They’ve served about 480 children in five years, Jonathan Munoz, Vermilion County Child Advocacy Center executive director, said.

Staff work alongside law enforcement and DCFS as they support families and children navigating the investigation, treatment and prosecution of child abuse cases. They also provide services to guide people through traumatic times. 

“When they go even to court proceedings, it’s a scary scenario, you just never know what’s going to happen, but as long as you have that person who’s willing to hear your voice it goes a long way,” Munoz said. 

They refer clients to medical and mental health services, provide clothing, gas cards, and anything else families may need. The goal is helping people no matter how they deal with trauma. 

“If they need support and stuff like that they just want to have that extra person there for the family and child, they just want to know that person there for them to be a hero for them,” Munoz said. 

Although the Vermilion County center is newer in comparison to other locations across the country, their need for services is consistently increasing.

“[The hope is] for the families and children not to feel like they’re alone during this whole process,” Munoz said.

The center is about a week away from hosting their third-annual Child Abuse Awareness Conference. Munoz said speakers will discuss internet crimes against kids. The event is on April 18 at Danville Area Community College from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.