The Carson City Rural Child Advocacy Center (CCRCAC) is set to expand its services and initiatives by 2026, according to founder and Executive Director Jan Marson. Since its grand opening in August 2023, the center has conducted 44 forensic interviews with children and provided support to approximately 120 individuals during its initial phase of operations.
Marson highlighted the significance of the center’s recent partnerships, including a formal collaboration with the Carson City Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) to enhance the training of law enforcement officials. “In the child forensic interview training we sponsored, we trained 24 officers from the CCSO,” Marson stated, emphasizing the importance of this initiative in offering trauma-informed care to suspected victims of abuse or exploitation.
Training and Community Partnerships
Officers from the CCSO participated in esteemed conferences such as the 40th annual San Diego International Conference on Child and Family Maltreatment and the 38th annual Crimes Against Children Conference hosted by the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center. Marson noted the power of collaboration among multidisciplinary teams during these training events. “It’s so powerful when you have these people doing this really hard work with a lot of responsibility,” she said.
In addition to training, the center has also allied with local organizations, including Advocates to End Domestic Violence, to provide crisis intervention services. The Carson City District Attorney’s office, led by Garrit Pruyt, plays a crucial role in prosecuting cases, ensuring thorough investigations are conducted to support the pursuit of justice for victims. “This law enforcement’s ability to conduct thorough investigations strengthens the district attorney to pursue criminal charges against the most heinous offenses,” Marson explained.
Accreditation and Future Goals
The CCRCAC has submitted its application for accreditation to the National Children’s Alliance (NCA). Accreditation is essential for centers that provide evidence-based services to children affected by abuse, as it ensures compliance with the NCA’s National Standards of Accreditation. Centers undergo evaluations every five years to maintain their accredited status. Marson indicated that the CCRCAC has already established the necessary criteria set by the NCA.
“We have a state chapter, and we’ve got to get a letter of recommendation from our state chapter,” she noted, outlining the steps required to create a child-friendly interviewing space and finalize partnerships with local organizations.
The center, located at 412 N. Division St., previously partnered with Sierra Healing House in March 2023 to enhance mental health and cognitive behavioral support services for trauma witnesses. Marson mentioned that by early 2027, Sierra Healing House will require a more permanent facility to continue its essential work.
Marson expressed pride in the center’s ability to assist clients in both Carson City and Douglas, who would otherwise need to travel to Washoe County for similar services. “I feel Carson City should be proud,” she affirmed, highlighting the community’s support and the center’s commitment to helping vulnerable children and families.
