County of Santa Clara to Open New Children’s Advocacy Center
New facility set inside Valley Health Center Morgan Hill will serve South County
The County of Santa Clara is set to begin construction of a new Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) located at Valley Health Center Morgan Hill in South County.
The CAC is expected to open in early 2027 and will bring together investigative and support services, including medical, prosecutorial and forensic services, for abused and neglected children and their families. The multidisciplinary center includes partners from Santa Clara Valley Healthcare, the Department of Family and Children’s Services, law enforcement agencies, and community-based organizations, and is led by the Office of the District Attorney.
“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,” said Supervisor Sylvia Arenas, vice president of the Board of Supervisors, representing District 1. “Bringing this national model for serving young victims of abuse to South County will remove access barriers to timely trauma-informed care and provide a wrap-around service sanctuary that our children deserve.”
The CAC receives referrals from law enforcement, medical professionals, and the Department of Family and Children’s Services. Through a collaborative model, professionals from law enforcement, child protection, prosecution, behavioral health, medical services, and victim advocacy work together under one roof to provide coordinated, comprehensive care. The services they provide are free and include forensic interviews, medical examinations, trauma-focused therapy, and advocates to support the survivor and their caregiver.
The County opened its first Children’s Advocacy Center in San José in 2021. Since then, the CAC has delivered services to more than 4,200 children and youth affected by abuse and maltreatment. However, less than 3% of those served were children or families from South County.
Conversations with South County law enforcement and community partners indicated that distance to the center has been a deterrent for South County law enforcement and families, who experience the County’s second-highest rate of reported child sexual abuse, second only to San José. To address this access disparity, in December 2023, the Board of Supervisors voted to approve funding to develop and staff a second CAC location in South County.
“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,” said County of Santa Clara Chief Operating Officer Greta Hansen. “As a County, we continue to be committed to ensuring critical services are available when and where they’re needed most.”
“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,” said Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen. “They do not come to us for help. We go to them.”
Before the establishment of the CAC, services for child abuse victims were dispersed at different locations throughout the County. Through an integrated model, the County is able to offer comprehensive services in one location, helping to increase access, improve timely response, and ensure community-centered care.
The innovative, integrated model has proven successful. In 2025 alone, the County’s Children’s Advocacy Center:
Conducted 434 investigations for children and teens in collaboration with 13 law enforcement agencies across the County, plus federal and out-of-county partners.
Provided 843 specialized medical exams for children and teens affected by alleged sexual abuse, trafficking, assault, physical abuse, abduction and neglect.
Delivered 31,777 advocacy services to clients, siblings and protective family members, including confidential victim advocacy, case management, counseling referrals, support during
interviews and exams, and court accompaniment.
Made 334 therapeutic referrals for children, teens and families to specialized therapists helping youth process trauma and strengthen family communication.
The County’s second Children’s Advocacy Center site will be housed in existing medical office space at VHC Morgan Hill. The co-location of services helps to eliminate barriers and increase access to necessary support like mental health and medical services, including a laboratory and imaging services. The 5,600-square-foot space is designed to align with national CAC accreditation protocols and meet all requirements for medical clinic licensing. The construction renovations are set to begin in March 2026 and take approximately nine months. Once complete, it will offer a safe, welcoming space where children and youth can share their experiences and access the support they need.
Valley Health Center Morgan Hill Children’s Advocacy Center will be located at 18550 De Paul Drive in Morgan Hill. The site is easily accessible by freeway and bus line for South San José, San Martin, Gilroy and Morgan Hill residents.
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ABOUT THE COUNTY OF SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA
The County of Santa Clara government serves a diverse, multicultural population of 1.9 million residents in Santa Clara County, Calif., making it more populous than 14 states in the United States. The County provides essential services to its residents, including public health protection, environmental stewardship, medical services through the County of Santa Clara Health System, child and adult protection services, homelessness prevention and solutions, roads, park services, libraries, emergency response to disasters, protection of minority communities and those under threat, access to a fair criminal justice system, and many other public benefits.