Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) was founded in 1993 by then District Attorney, Robert Owens, Jr., along with the Department of Human Resources, law enforcement personnel, and Shelby County community members in response to child abuse in the area. In 1997, our current facility – Owens House – was built and named in honor of District Attorney Owens, as he was instrumental in the development of the agency.

By 2003, our agency’s partner base (Multidisciplinary Team) expanded to include professionals from the fields of education, mental health, medicine, and juvenile justice, allowing the center to provide more comprehensive, well-informed care to the children of Shelby County. Today, Owens House has a staff of 6 full-time employees and serves children aged 3-19, adults with intellectual disabilities, and families who have experienced sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, physical abuse, severe neglect, drug endangerment, and those who have witnessed violent crimes. This staff, in collaboration with Shelby County’s Multidisciplinary Team, provides forensic interviews, mental health counseling, family advocacy, prevention education for students, community education courses, and other services supporting families through the whole process - from disclosure to justice – all free of charge.

We at Owens House are grateful for the continued support of our community, and we look forward to continuing to serve the children and families of Shelby County for years to come.

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