Santa Clara County has initiated the construction of a new Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) at the Valley Health Center in Morgan Hill. This facility is set to open in early 2027 on the site of the former De Paul Health Center. The CAC aims to provide comprehensive investigative and support services for children and families affected by abuse and neglect, according to a press release from the county.
The multidisciplinary center will collaborate with various partners, including Santa Clara Valley Healthcare, the Department of Family and Children’s Services, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations. It will be operated under the Office of the District Attorney. Supervisor Sylvia Arenas emphasized the importance of expanding the CAC to South County, stating, “By wrapping our arms around our most vulnerable children, we are empowering their healing journey in the comfort and safety of their community.”
The Children’s Advocacy Center will address critical access issues, as the existing CAC in San José has seen limited engagement from South County families. Since its opening in 2021, the San José center has served over 4,200 children and youth affected by abuse, but less than 3% of those were from South County. Distance has been a significant barrier for families seeking timely trauma-informed care, especially given that South County reports the second highest rate of child sexual abuse in the county, following San José.
To combat this disparity, the Board of Supervisors approved funding in December 2023 to develop and staff the new CAC location in South County. County of Santa Clara Chief Operating Officer Greta Hansen remarked, “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.”
District Attorney Jeff Rosen added, “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.”
Before the establishment of the CAC, services for child abuse victims were fragmented across various locations in the county. The new integrated model aims to streamline these services, making it easier for families to access necessary support. In 2025, the current CAC logged significant activity, including:
– Conducting 434 investigations in collaboration with 13 law enforcement agencies.
– Providing 843 specialized medical exams for children and teens affected by various forms of abuse.
– Delivering 31,777 advocacy services to clients and their families, which includes case management and counseling referrals.
– Making 334 therapeutic referrals to specialized therapists for trauma processing.
The new Children’s Advocacy Center will be located at 18550 De Paul Drive, within existing medical office space at the Valley Health Center in Morgan Hill. This co-location of services is designed to eliminate barriers and enhance access to essential resources, including mental health and medical services, as well as laboratory and imaging facilities.
With the construction of the new CAC, Santa Clara County is taking significant steps to ensure that vulnerable children receive the comprehensive care and support they need, right in their own community.
