Santa Clara County has officially commenced construction on a new Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) at the Valley Health Center in Morgan Hill. Scheduled to open in early 2027, the center will be located at the former site of the De Paul Health Center and will provide a comprehensive range of services for children who have experienced abuse and neglect.
The CAC aims to integrate investigative and support services, including medical, prosecutorial, and forensic assistance, tailored specifically for affected children and their families. This initiative is a collaboration among multiple partners, including Santa Clara Valley Healthcare, the Department of Family and Children’s Services, law enforcement agencies, and community-based organizations. The Office of the District Attorney will oversee the center’s operations.
In remarks about the project, Supervisor Sylvia Arenas stated, “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 emphasized that this center would eliminate access barriers to timely, trauma-informed care, creating a supportive environment for children.
The CAC will receive referrals from various sources, including law enforcement, medical professionals, and the Department of Family and Children’s Services. Professionals from law enforcement, child protection, prosecution, behavioral health, medical services, and victim advocacy will work collaboratively under one roof, offering coordinated and comprehensive care.
Free services available at the CAC will include forensic interviews, medical examinations, and trauma-focused therapy, as well as support for survivors and their caregivers. The county had previously opened its first Children’s Advocacy Center in San José in 2021, which has since served over 4,200 children and youth affected by abuse. Despite these efforts, less than 3% of those served were from South County, indicating a significant gap in access.
According to county officials, the distance to the San José center has deterred families in South County, which has the second highest rate of child sexual abuse reports in the county, following the City of San José. To rectify this disparity, the Board of Supervisors approved funding in December 2023 to develop and staff a second CAC location in South County.
County of Santa Clara Chief Operating Officer Greta Hansen highlighted the collaborative nature of the CAC, stating, “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.”
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 within the county. The innovative and integrated model currently in use has demonstrated success. In 2025, the county’s CAC reported notable activity, including:
– Conducting 434 investigations for children and teens in collaboration with 13 law enforcement agencies, as well as federal and out-of-county partners.
– Providing 843 specialized medical exams for children and teens impacted by alleged sexual abuse, trafficking, assault, physical abuse, abduction, and neglect.
– Delivering 31,777 advocacy services to clients, their siblings, and protective family members, which encompassed confidential victim advocacy, case management, counseling referrals, support during interviews and exams, and court accompaniment.
– Facilitating 334 therapeutic referrals for children, teens, and families to specialized therapists, aiding youth in processing trauma and enhancing family communication.
The new Children’s Advocacy Center will be located in existing medical office space at VHC Morgan Hill, situated at 18550 De Paul Drive. By co-locating these essential services, the county aims to eliminate barriers and enhance access to critical support, including mental health and medical services, such as laboratory and imaging services.
