The Senate Aging and Youth Committee, chaired by state Sen. Judy Ward, R-Blair, and Sen. Maria Collett, D-Montgomery, held a hearing Aug. 8 to gather information about the critical roles played by children's advocacy centers across Pennsylvania.

Children's advocacy centers (CACs) coordinate the investigation, treatment and prosecution of child abuse cases by utilizing teams of professionals involved in child protective and victim advocacy services, law enforcement and prosecution, and physical and mental health.