Children's Alliance Center of Berks County

Children's Alliance Center of Berks County

Children's Alliance Center Tree LogoThe Children's Alliance Center of Berks County ("CAC") is a service of the Berks County District Attorney's office that serves child victims of sexual abuse under the age of 18. The CAC strives to reduce the child's trauma by providing a unique multi-disciplinary response to child abuse. We enable law enforcement, prosecutors, child protective services, victim advocacy agencies and the medical and mental health professions to work together as a collaborative team to investigate and prosecute cases. Children are interviewed once, and various agencies observe the interview simultaneously to reduce the number of interviews and the amount of emotional stress. This model provides for more successful prosecutions while providing a child-friendly environment. Since opening in July 2004, we have helped thousands of children through our services. The CAC is an accredited member of the National Children's Alliance, located in Washington, DC. 

The following program components are necessary for accredited membership in the National Children's Alliance

  • Multidisciplinary Team
  • Diversity, Equity and Access of Services
  • Forensic Interviews
  • Victim Support and Advocacy
  • Medical Evaluation
  • Mental Health
  • Case Review and Coordination
  • Case Tracking
  • Organizational Capacity
  • Child Safety and Protection

Children's Alliance Center Staff

Amy Sundstrom, Director
Laura Kemp-Reichard, Victim Advocate
Heilyn Perez, Forensic Interviewer
Jennifer Hack, Forensic Interviewer/Organizational Development Specialist

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Information And Resources

Did You Know?

  • Every year, the Children's Alliance Center of Berks County conducts approximately 400 forensic interviews.
  • The greatest risk comes from friends and family, not strangers.
  • Experts estimate that 1 in 10 children will be affected by child sexual abuse.
  • Symptoms of sexual abuse can include physical and behavioral signs, but behavioral signs are more common.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, all services are confidential.
Yes. When we call you to schedule an interview and upon arrival, we will ask you some COVID-related screening questions. All visitors are required to wear a mask. Your temperature will be checked by security upon arrival at the building. Only one adult can accompany the child to our office. We sanitize each room after families leave.
No, protocol is that only the child and interviewer are present in the interview room. The interview is observed from a different room by the law enforcement and Children and Youth Services caseworkers.
No, referrals are accepted only from law enforcement and Children and Youth Services.
Interviews can take 1 to 1.5 hours. Each child is different which can affect how long they need. Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to complete paperwork.