The following is a checklist developed by the National Children’s Alliance (NCA) summarizing the tasks that need to be completed in establishing a Children’s Advocacy Center.  While the activities are listed in approximate order, some will need to take place concurrently and there will be variations in each community.

• Convene a working committee or task force of key individuals 
• Select leadership 
• Conduct a needs assessment of the extent of the problem in the community  
• Develop vision and mission statements 
• Determine CAC service population 
• Gather information on various CAC models 
• Select the CAC approach that best suits the community  
• Develop Interagency agreement and obtain agency commitment  
• Determine organizational structure 
• Determine which services will be offered on-site or through  referrals 
• Select site and design or acquire space for child-appropriate facility  
• Determine staffing needs and agency roles  
• Develop multidisciplinary team protocols
• Research potential sources of support 

CACWA offers support and technical assistance to communities wishing to develop a Children's Advocacy Center. Contact us at director@cacwa.org.