(858) 966-4011 chadwickcenter@rchsd.org

What We Do

At the Chadwick Center for Children & Families, we believe that every child and family has the right to be safe and supported after experiencing a scary or traumatic event in order to move towards healing.

The Chadwick Center is an accredited children’s advocacy center (CAC).  It is one of the largest hospital-based CACs and trauma treatment centers in the nation.  Our CAC provides family-focused and trauma-informed services to children and adolescents who may have experienced or witnessed maltreatment, abuse or violence.

Our multidisciplinary team (MDT), also known as the Child Protection Team (CPT), includes caring and trained professionals from law enforcement, child protection, prosecution, mental health, medical, family advocacy and other CAC staff and community partners.  We provide specialized services to help children and families heal from abuse and trauma by providing a coordinated, compassionate MDT response.  This ensures that children don’t have to share their stories multiple times.

Click on the Programs link above to get information about the services the Chadwick Center offers for children and their families in San Diego County who have experienced trauma or abuse.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month!

During April, we recognize National Child Abuse Prevention Month (NCAPM) and the importance of communities working together to support and strengthen families and prevent child maltreatment. Prevention services and supports developed by this collaboration can help parents, other caregivers, and communities protect children and strengthen families.

At the Chadwick Center, we believe that we all play a role in making sure that families stay safe, happy, and healthy. Remember the following:

  • You are not alone; we are in this together. The Chadwick Center is here to support you, your family, and your community.
  • All children have the capacity to be great and do great things. We have a shared duty to help them heal and support them achieving their full potential.
  • Families are resilient. Safe neighborhoods, healthy nutrition, access to quality education, and supportive relationships are foundational in strengthening protective factors needed for families to stay resilient generation after generation. All people have the capacity for resilience.

Click on the “Prevention” tab above for more information.