Construction has officially commenced on a new Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) at the Valley Health Center in Morgan Hill, Santa Clara County. This facility is scheduled to open in early 2027 and will be located at the former site of the De Paul Health Center. The CAC aims to consolidate various investigative and support services—including medical, prosecutorial, and forensic services—for children who have experienced abuse and neglect, as detailed in a press release from Santa Clara County.
The multidisciplinary center will involve partnerships with Santa Clara Valley Healthcare, the Department of Family and Children’s Services, local law enforcement agencies, and community organizations. It will be operated under the leadership of the Office of the District Attorney.
Supervisor Sylvia Arenas emphasized the importance of the new center, stating, “By expanding the Children’s Advocacy Center to South County, we are wrapping our arms around our most vulnerable children and empowering their healing journey in the comfort and safety of their community.” She added that this facility represents a national model for serving young victims of abuse, aiming to eliminate barriers to timely trauma-informed care.
The CAC will receive referrals from law enforcement, medical professionals, and the Department of Family and Children’s Services. By employing a collaborative approach, specialists in law enforcement, child protection, prosecution, behavioral health, and victim advocacy will work together to provide coordinated and comprehensive care to affected children and their families.
Services offered at the CAC will be free of charge and include forensic interviews, medical examinations, trauma-focused therapy, and advocacy support for survivors and their caregivers. The county previously opened its first Children’s Advocacy Center in San José in 2021, which has since served over 4,200 children and youth impacted by abuse and maltreatment. Yet, less than 3% of those served came from South County, indicating a significant gap in access to services.
Authorities have noted that the distance to the San José location has deterred families from seeking help. South County has the second highest rate of child sexual abuse reports in the county, trailing only behind the city of San José. In December 2023, the Board of Supervisors approved funding for the development and staffing of this second CAC location in South County to address this access disparity.
Greta Hansen, Chief Operating Officer of Santa Clara County, remarked, “The Children’s Advocacy Center is a powerful example of what government can do when we work together. It is a model of excellence in integrated care and compassion for children and families who have experienced abuse and trauma.” She reaffirmed the county’s commitment to ensuring critical services are available when and where they are most needed.
District Attorney Jeff Rosen added, “By bringing these proven services to South County, we are building a safer, more compassionate future—one where every child can get the help they deserve without leaving their own community. They do not come to us for help. We go to them.”
Prior to the establishment of the CAC, services for child abuse victims were scattered across various locations in the county. The new integrated model has demonstrated success, according to county officials. In 2025, the CAC logged significant activity, including:
– Conducting 434 investigations for children and teens in collaboration with 13 law enforcement agencies.
– Providing 843 specialized medical exams for children and teens affected by alleged sexual abuse, trafficking, assault, physical abuse, abduction, and neglect.
– Delivering 31,777 advocacy services to clients, siblings, and protective family members, which included confidential victim advocacy, case management, counseling referrals, support during interviews and exams, and court accompaniment.
– Making 334 therapeutic referrals to specialized therapists to assist children, teens, and families in processing trauma and improving family communication.
The new Children’s Advocacy Center will be situated in existing medical office space at VHC Morgan Hill, located at 18550 De Paul Drive. This co-location of services is designed to remove barriers and enhance access to essential support services, including mental health and medical care, as well as laboratory and imaging services, according to county staff.
