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The CAC of Suffolk County supports the health and wellbeing of the children and families of Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop. Each month we'll share highlights and updates to help you better understand how you are part of the healing and justice we see every day. 

The CAC’s Support to End Exploitation Now (SEEN) team works 24/7/365 to prevent and respond to child trafficking and sexual exploitation. The team consists of a Program Manager, a Case Coordinator, and a Program Assistant. Together, they support and empower some of Suffolk County's most vulnerable youth.

Annually, SEEN receives more than 200 referrals for high-risk, sexually exploited, and trafficked youth – and that number continues to grow. In fact, when comparing 2022 and 2023 data, our SEEN program has witnessed an average increase of 68% in referrals per month for children at risk of sexual exploitation, year-over-year. As of August, SEEN has already received as many referrals as they did in all of 2022 – an all-time high.

Time's running out to purchase your tickets to join us on October 12 for the Step Up & Speak Out Benefit!

RSVP by Friday, September 29th and be there for this inspiring event celebrating Susan Goldfarb's 30-year legacy as the CAC's Executive Director, Stuart Elfland's dedication to corporate citizenship, and the incredible strength of survivors.

The funds raised through the Benefit ensure the CAC can continue to provide free and expert services for children who have experienced abuse and commercial sexual exploitation.

Individual tickets are $150 each. Sponsorships ranging from $25,000 to $1,000 are still available. And donations of any amount are always welcome!

Recent Highlight

Earlier this month, the CAC's Associate Director, Beth Bouchard, and SEEN Program Manager, Sheelah Gobar, presented on "High-Risk Missing and Exploited Youth: A Multidisciplinary Team Approach" at the National Center for Victims of Crime National Training Institute. It was an incredible opportunity to be part of this conference where victim-centered, practice-based, and research-informed work is shared.

And in late August, the CAC's Family Resource Specialist Gladys Sorto-Aviles learned valuable strategies for increasing immigrant victim safety at the National Immigrant Women's Advocacy Project Conference.

Staff Spotlight

Vanessa Vicente is a bilingual (Spanish/English) Forensic Interviewer who's been with the CAC for over three years. She is specially-trained to communicate with youth about their experiences using a developmentally-appropriate, trauma-informed approach. Before joining the CAC, Vanessa worked for several years as a Victim-Witness Advocate at the Suffolk District Attorney's Office. She is passionate about the CAC’s mission because she believes that everyone deserves the chance to heal. She believes that words are extremely powerful, and giving someone a chance to release what is heavily on their mind provides an opportunity for clarity and healing.