A History of Child Protection in America is the first comprehensive history of American efforts to protect children from abuse and neglect. The book begins in colonial times and chronicles child protection into the twenty-first century. Among the important nineteenth century events detailed in these pages are the rise of orphanages for “dependent” children, the “orphan trains” operated by the New York Children’s Aid Society, the birth of the juvenile court, the reforms of the Children’s Progressive Era, and the dramatic rescue of Mary Ellen Wilson, which led to the creation of the world’s first organization devoted entirely to child protection, the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. Twentieth century milestones include the gradual transition from private child protection societies to government operated child protection, the obscurity of child abuse from the 1920's to the 1960's, the “discovery” of child abuse in 1962, and the creation of the child protection system we know today.

A History of Child Protection in America is the first comprehensive history of American efforts to protect children from abuse and neglect. The book begins in colonial times and chronicles child protection into the twenty-first century. Among the important nineteenth century events detailed in these pages are the rise of orphanages for “dependent” children, the “orphan trains” operated by the New York Children’s Aid Society, the birth of the juvenile court, the reforms of the Children’s Progressive Era, and the dramatic rescue of Mary Ellen Wilson, which led to the creation of the world’s first organization devoted entirely to child protection, the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. Twentieth century milestones include the gradual transition from private child protection societies to government operated child protection, the obscurity of child abuse from the 1920's to the 1960's, the “discovery” of child abuse in 1962, and the creation of the child protection system we know today.

Children´s Advocacy Center professionals face extraordinary challenges as they dedicate their working lives to helping children who have made allegations of sexual and physical abuse. Effective CACs employ a multi-disciplinary team approach to the investigation, treatment, and prevention of child sexual abuse.

But we know that child abuse allegations are often settled in the courtroom, and the road toward the courtroom can be confusing and complicated for CAC professionals and their centers, which often lack qualified and competent legal counsel to pave their wave. This book is a collection of Legal Letters written by Attorney Andrew Agatston to CACs, child advocates and detectives that establishes a path toward becoming Legal Eagles for the children they serve.

"In practical understandable prose, Andrew Agatston addresses many of the legal challenges facing Children´s Advocacy Centers. Executive directors, forensic interviewers and others who work in or with a CAC will find this book to be of great assistance." -- Victor Vieth, Director, National Child Protection Training Center

"The Children´s Advocacy Center model has revolutionized the United States´ resposne system to child sexual abuse, and this shift has dramatically impacted the legal system´s response to these children, the programs which serve them, and the records associated with this service. This book provides an outstanding overview of numerous challenging legal situations which CACs may face in this environment. While focused on the perspective of current practice in the State of Georgia, these challenges are universal, and this comprehensive compilation, written in an easy to understand format, is a must have for every CAC and its legal counsel." -- Chris Newlin, MS LPC, Executive Director, National Children´s Advocacy Center

Children´s Advocacy Center professionals face extraordinary challenges as they dedicate their working lives to helping children who have made allegations of sexual and physical abuse. Effective CACs employ a multi-disciplinary team approach to the investigation, treatment, and prevention of child sexual abuse.

But we know that child abuse allegations are often settled in the courtroom, and the road toward the courtroom can be confusing and complicated for CAC professionals and their centers, which often lack qualified and competent legal counsel to pave their wave. This book is a collection of Legal Letters written by Attorney Andrew Agatston to CACs, child advocates and detectives that establishes a path toward becoming Legal Eagles for the children they serve.

"In practical understandable prose, Andrew Agatston addresses many of the legal challenges facing Children´s Advocacy Centers. Executive directors, forensic interviewers and others who work in or with a CAC will find this book to be of great assistance." -- Victor Vieth, Director, National Child Protection Training Center

"The Children´s Advocacy Center model has revolutionized the United States´ resposne system to child sexual abuse, and this shift has dramatically impacted the legal system´s response to these children, the programs which serve them, and the records associated with this service. This book provides an outstanding overview of numerous challenging legal situations which CACs may face in this environment. While focused on the perspective of current practice in the State of Georgia, these challenges are universal, and this comprehensive compilation, written in an easy to understand format, is a must have for every CAC and its legal counsel." -- Chris Newlin, MS LPC, Executive Director, National Children´s Advocacy Center

Children´s Advocacy Center professionals face extraordinary challenges as they dedicate their working lives to helping children who have made allegations of sexual and physical abuse. Effective CACs employ a multi-disciplinary team approach to the investigation, treatment, and prevention of child sexual abuse.

But we know that child abuse allegations are often settled in the courtroom, and the road toward the courtroom can be confusing and complicated for CAC professionals and their centers, which often lack qualified and competent legal counsel to pave their wave. This book is a collection of Legal Letters written by Attorney Andrew Agatston to CACs, child advocates and detectives that establishes a path toward becoming Legal Eagles for the children they serve.

"In practical understandable prose, Andrew Agatston addresses many of the legal challenges facing Children´s Advocacy Centers. Executive directors, forensic interviewers and others who work in or with a CAC will find this book to be of great assistance." -- Victor Vieth, Director, National Child Protection Training Center

"The Children´s Advocacy Center model has revolutionized the United States´ resposne system to child sexual abuse, and this shift has dramatically impacted the legal system´s response to these children, the programs which serve them, and the records associated with this service. This book provides an outstanding overview of numerous challenging legal situations which CACs may face in this environment. While focused on the perspective of current practice in the State of Georgia, these challenges are universal, and this comprehensive compilation, written in an easy to understand format, is a must have for every CAC and its legal counsel." -- Chris Newlin, MS LPC, Executive Director, National Children´s Advocacy Center