SPRINGFIELD, MO | August 3, 2026 | The Child Advocacy Center, Inc. has been recognized as a Partner in Prevention™ for 2026-2027 by Darkness to Light, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing child sexual abuse by educating and empowering adults to create safer environments for children. The Child Advocacy Center is the only organization in the state of Missouri to hold this distinction.
The Partner in Prevention distinction recognizes organizations that demonstrate a commitment to child safety and take steps to
prevent child sexual abuse through education, training, and policies that help adults understand the issue, recognize unsafe
situations, and respond responsibly.
Prevention is an important part of the Child Advocacy Center’s mission. In addition to providing services to children and families impacted by abuse, the CAC works to educate adults throughout the community about child sexual abuse prevention and how they can help create safe environments for children.
As part of these prevention efforts, the CAC uses Darkness to Light’s Stewards of Children® curriculum to educate adults about
preventing, recognizing, and responding responsibly to child sexual abuse. “Preventing child sexual abuse requires adults to be willing to learn, have uncomfortable conversations, and take action to create safer environments for children,” said Katiina Dull, Executive Director of The Child Advocacy Center, Inc. “This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to providing adults with the education and resources they need to help prevent child sexual abuse.”
The Partner in Prevention designation was created by Darkness to Light as a national standard to help parents and caregivers
recognize organizations that prioritize child protection through prevention education, training, and policies. To learn more about prevention education and training opportunities through The Child Advocacy Center, visit https://cacozarks.org/trainings.
About The Child Advocacy Center, Inc.
The Child Advocacy Center, Inc. serves children and families across a 14-county region in southwest Missouri. The CAC brings
together professionals from law enforcement, child protection, prosecution, medical and mental health services, and victim
advocacy to provide a coordinated response to allegations of child abuse. Through its forensic, advocacy, mental health, and
prevention services, the CAC works to protect children, support families, and help communities prevent child abuse.
About Darkness to Light:
Darkness to Light is a nonprofit organization with a mission to equip and empower adults to build safe environments that
protect children from sexual abuse. Darkness to Light’s flagship program, Stewards of Children®, is a trauma and evidence
informed training that teaches adults to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse.
