Childrens Advocacy Center of Sw Florida Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
SINCE 1981, CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY CENTER OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA, INC. (CAC) HAS ADVOCATED FOR A HEALTHY, SAFE COMMUNITY FOR CHILDREN THROUGH A MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM APPROACH TO CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT. OUR MISSION IS TO CREATE A SAFE AND NUTURING SPACE FOR CHILDREN AFFECTED BY ABUSE AND NEGLECT, WHERE THEY SHARE THEIR STORIES, HEAL, AND THRIVE, WITH COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT. THE CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY CENTER OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA OFFERS ABUSE DETERMINATION SERVICES, TRAUMA-INFORMED THERAPEUTIC COUNSELING, ADVOCACY, PARENTING EDUCATION, PREVENTION PROGRAMS, PET THERAPY, AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND EDUCATION IN LEE COUNTY. ABUSE DETERMINATION, THERAPEUTIC COUNSELING, AND ADVOCACY SERVICES ARE ALSO PROVIDED IN CHARLOTTE, HENDRY, AND GLADES COUNTIES. CAC IS THE ONLY CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY CENTER IN THE FOUR-COUNTY AREA. CAC IS ACCREDITED BY NATIONAL CHILDREN'S ALLIANCE, AND ONE OF THE LARGEST CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY CENTERS IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA.
- Income
- $7.3 million
- Spending
- $5.1 million
- Spent on programs
- 86%
- Reserves
- 11.9 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 68%
- Employees
- 79
- Volunteers
- 114
- Highest pay
- $142,167, cfo
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Strong: 93 out of 100. Higher than 80% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
28 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 11.9 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 4% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 30% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 39% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1586% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 3 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 65% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 2515 of 15 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (3)
- $2.2 million spent. THE CHILD PROTECTION TEAM (CPT) PROVIDES SERVICES TO CHILDREN WHO ARE SUSPECTED OF HAVING EXPERIENCED OR WITNESSED CHILD NEGLECT, PHYSICAL ABUSE, SEXUAL ABUSE TO INCLUDE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION, FAMILY VIOLENCE, AND/OR MEDICAL NEGLECT. SERVICES ARE OFFERED TO CHILDREN AND FAMILIES WHO ARE INVOLVED WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES AND/OR LOCAL AND FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES. SERVICES INCLUDE MEDICAL EVALUATIONS, FORENSIC INTERVIEWS, SPECIALIZED INTERVIEWS, FAMILY ASSESSMENTS, MEDICAL CONSULTATIONS, PSYCHOSOCIAL ASSESSMENTS, PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATIONS, AND MULTIDISCIPLINARY STAFFINGS. THE TEAM ALSO PROVIDES COURT TESTIMONY. SERVICES ARE PROVIDED 24 HOURS A DAY 7 DAYS A WEEK. THE GOALS OF CPT ARE TO ASSIST AGENCIES WHO INVESTIGATE CHILD ABUSE IN DETERMINING ABUSE, NEGLECT, OR THREAT; TO PREVENT CHILD ABUSE THROUGH COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND PUBLIC EDUCATION; AND PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL TRAINING AROUND THE ISSUES OF ABUSE AND NEGLECT. CPT IS GOVERNED BY FLORIDA STATUTES, AND ALL SERVICES ARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE CHILD PROTECTION TEAM (CPT) PROVIDES SERVICES TO CHILDREN WHO ARE SUSPECTED OF HAVING EXPERIENCED OR WITNESSED CHILD NEGLECT, PHYSICAL ABUSE, SEXUAL ABUSE TO INCLUDE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION, FAMILY VIOLENCE, AND/OR MEDICAL NEGLECT. SERVICES ARE OFFERED TO CHILDREN AND FAMILIES WHO ARE INVOLVED WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES AND/OR LOCAL AND FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES. SERVICES INCLUDE MEDICAL EVALUATIONS, FORENSIC INTERVIEWS, SPECIALIZED INTERVIEWS, FAMILY ASSESSMENTS, MEDICAL CONSULTATIONS, PSYCHOSOCIAL ASSESSMENTS, PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATIONS, AND MULTIDISCIPLINARY STAFFINGS. THE TEAM ALSO PROVIDES COURT TESTIMONY. SERVICES ARE PROVIDED 24 HOURS A DAY 7 DAYS A WEEK. THE GOALS OF CPT ARE TO ASSIST AGENCIES WHO INVESTIGATE CHILD ABUSE IN DETERMINING ABUSE, NEGLECT, OR THREAT; TO PREVENT CHILD ABUSE THROUGH COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND PUBLIC EDUCATION; AND PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL TRAINING AROUND THE ISSUES OF ABUSE AND NEGLECT. CPT IS GOVERNED BY FLORIDA STATUTES, AND ALL SERVICES ARE FREE OF CHARGE.
- $1.4 million spent. FAMILY ALLIANCE IS A CHILD-FRIENDLY OUTPATIENT COUNSELING PROGRAM THAT PROVIDES THERAPY AND PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL CURRICULUM TO CHILDREN WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED ABUSE AND NEGLECT, HAVE WITNESSED/EXPERIENCED FAMILY VIOLENCE OR A VIOLENT CRIME, ARE SUSPECTED OF BEING ABUSED OR NEGLECTED, OR ARE AT- RISK FOR ABUSE AND NEGLECT. INDIVIDUAL THERAPY, FAMILY THERAPY, GROUP COUNSELING, AND PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL SERVICES ARE PROVIDED FOR CHILDREN AGES 3-17. DURING THE TIME A CHILD IS ENGAGED IN THERAPY, NON-OFFENDING CAREGIVERS AND SIBLINGS ARE OFFERED SUPPORT SERVICES. THESE SESSIONS INCLUDE PROVIDING FAMILIES WITH PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL SERVICES RELATED TO ABUSE AND TRAUMA, COPING SKILLS, SAFETY SKILLS, PREVENTION SKILLS, COMMUNICATION SKILLS, AND KNOWLEDGE RELATED TO HEALTHY AND UNHEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS. THE THERAPIST PROVIDES EMOTIONAL SUPPORT TO FAMILY MEMBERS WHO HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY THEIR LOVED ONE'S ABUSE/TRAUMA. FAMILY ALLIANCE ALSO OFFERS THERAPEUTIC SERVICES TO ADULT SURVIVORS OF CHILDHOOD SEXUAL ABUSE. ALL SERVICES ARE FREE OF CHARGE. FAMILY ALLIANCE IS A CHILD-FRIENDLY OUTPATIENT COUNSELING PROGRAM THAT PROVIDES THERAPY AND PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL CURRICULUM TO CHILDREN WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED ABUSE AND NEGLECT, HAVE WITNESSED/EXPERIENCED FAMILY VIOLENCE OR A VIOLENT CRIME, ARE SUSPECTED OF BEING ABUSED OR NEGLECTED, OR ARE AT- RISK FOR ABUSE AND NEGLECT. INDIVIDUAL THERAPY, FAMILY THERAPY, GROUP COUNSELING, AND PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL SERVICES ARE PROVIDED FOR CHILDREN AGES 3-17. DURING THE TIME A CHILD IS ENGAGED IN THERAPY, NON-OFFENDING CAREGIVERS AND SIBLINGS ARE OFFERED SUPPORT SERVICES. THESE SESSIONS INCLUDE PROVIDING FAMILIES WITH PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL SERVICES RELATED TO ABUSE AND TRAUMA, COPING SKILLS, SAFETY SKILLS, PREVENTION SKILLS, COMMUNICATION SKILLS, AND KNOWLEDGE RELATED TO HEALTHY AND UNHEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS. THE THERAPIST PROVIDES EMOTIONAL SUPPORT TO FAMILY MEMBERS WHO HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY THEIR LOVED ONE'S ABUSE/TRAUMA. FAMILY ALLIANCE ALSO OFFERS THERAPEUTIC SERVICES TO ADULT SURVIVORS OF CHILDHOOD SEXUAL ABUSE. ALL SERVICES ARE FREE OF CHARGE.
- $760,815 spent. THE PARENTING PROGRAM IS PARENT EDUCATION FOR THE PREVENTION OF CHILD ABUSE. OUR PARENTING CLASSES UTILIZE THE NURTURING PARENTING PROGRAM WHICH HAS OVER 40 YEARS OF RESEARCH SHOWING THAT IT REDUCES THE BELIEFS THAT ARE KNOWN TO LEAD TO ABUSE AND/OR NEGLECT WHILE INCREASING WHAT IS KNOWN AS PROTECTIVE CAPACITIES. CAC UTILIZES VARIOUS CURRICULUM WITHIN THE NURTURING PARENTING PROGRAM SUCH AS NURTURING SKILLS, NURTURING FATHERS, AND NURTURING FAMILIES IN RECOVERY (ADDICTION). THE PARENTING CLASSES ARE OFFERED IN ENGLISH, SPANISH, AND CREOLE TO FAMILIES INVOLVED IN THE DEPENDENCY SYSTEM AS WELL AS THOSE IN THE COMMUNITY LOOKING TO ENHANCE AND IMPROVE THEIR PARENTING ROLES. THE CLASS SCHEDULE OFFERS CLASSES SIX DAYS PER WEEK TO INCLUDE DAYTIME, EVENING, AND WEEKEND HOURS AS NEEDED. THE PARENTING PROGRAM IS OFFERED FREE OF CHARGE. THE PINE MANOR AFTER SCHOOL AND SUMMER PROGRAM IS A PREVENTION PROGRAM WHICH PROVIDES A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR CHILDREN AGES 5-12 WHO RESIDE IN PINE MANOR FOCUSING ON IMPROVING LITERACY, MATHEMATICS, AND SOCIAL SKILLS. SERVICES PROVIDED INCLUDE INDIVIDUALIZED HOMEWORK ASSISTANCE, AFTER SCHOOL KIDZLIT READING ENRICHMENT PROGRAM FOCUSING ON INCREASING LITERACY SKILLS AS WELL AS CHILD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING, SPORTS AND OUTDOOR PLAY, CHARACTER EDUCATION, ARTS AND CRAFTS, FIELD TRIPS, GUEST SPEAKERS, PET THERAPY READING PROGRAM, PARTICIPATION IN THE COMMUNITY GARDEN, LINKING FAMILIES WITH COMMUNITY RESOURCES, AND ONGOING COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS/CAREGIVERS REGARDING THEIR CHILD AND THE CHILD'S PROGRESS IN THE PROGRAM. THE PROGRAM IS PROVIDED AT NO COST. THE CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY CENTER IS THE LEAD AGENCY FOR THE UNITED WAY RESILIENCY HUB IN EAST FORT MYERS. THE EAST RESILIENCY HUB IS A MULTI- AGENCY OUTREACH CENTER OFFERING SOCIAL SERVICES WHICH REFLECT THE NEEDS OF THE EAST FORT MYERS COMMUNITY. THE MISSION OF THE EAST RESILIENCY HUB IS TO STRENGTHEN FAMILIES BY COLLABORATING WITH COMMUNITY PARTNERS AND EMPOWERING LOCAL RESIDENTS AND FAMILIES. THE RESILIENCY HUB PROVIDES A "ONE-STOP SHOP" FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES SEEKING RESOURCES, INFORMATION AND REFERRALS, AND OTHER SOCIAL SERVICES. CAC PARTNERS WITH AGENCIES CO-LOCATED AND PROVIDES A FOOD PANTRY, CLOTHING AND DIAPERS CLOSET, INFORMATION AND REFERRAL, AND ASSISTANCE WITH MEDICAID/FOOD STAMPS/FLORIDA KIDCARE APPLICATIONS AND RENEWALS. SERVICES ARE OFFERED FREE OF CHARGE. THE BEESLEY'S PAW PRINTS PET THERAPY PROGRAM PROVIDES VOLUNTEER THERAPY TEAMS, REGISTERED HANDLERS AND INSURED THERAPY DOGS. TO BRING COMFORT AND REDUCE ANXIETY FOR CHILDREN, FAMILIES, AND INDIVIDUALS IN NEED. AT CAC, THE DOGS GREET VISITORS IN THE LOBBY TO CREATE A WELCOMING ATMOSPHERE AND PARTICIPATE IN INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP THERAPY SESSIONS TO PROVIDE EMOTIONAL SUPPORT. BEYOND CAC, THE TEAMS EXTEND THEIR SERVICES TO PARTNER LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT LEE COUNTY AND THE 20TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, OFFERING COMFORT TO CHILDREN IN DEPENDENCY COURT OR WHILE TESTIFYING AGAINST ABUSERS. ALL TEAMS ARE REGISTERED THROUGH REPUTABLE ORGANIZATIONS SUCH AS ALLIANCE OF THERAPY DOGS, THERAPY DOGS, INC., AND PET PARTNERS. THE FAMILY ADVOCACY PROGRAM PROVIDES ONGOING SUPPORT TO CHILD VICTIMS AND THEIR NON-OFFENDING FAMILY MEMBERS. ADVOCATES WALK ALONGSIDE FAMILIES THROUGHOUT THE CASE, OFFERING SERVICES DURING THE INVESTIGATION, PROSECUTION, AND BEYOND. SUPPORT INCLUDES SAFETY PLANNING, NEEDS ASSESSMENT, ASSISTANCE WITH CRIME COMPENSATION, REFERRALS TO SOCIAL SERVICES AND TRAUMA-FOCUSED MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT, PARTICIPATION IN CASE REVIEW, COORDINATION OF SERVICES, UPDATES ON CASE STATUS, COURT EDUCATION, AND FACILITATING COURTROOM TOURS. THE PARENTING PROGRAM IS PARENT EDUCATION FOR THE PREVENTION OF CHILD ABUSE. OUR PARENTING CLASSES UTILIZE THE NURTURING PARENTING PROGRAM WHICH HAS OVER 40 YEARS OF RESEARCH SHOWING THAT IT REDUCES THE BELIEFS THAT ARE KNOWN TO LEAD TO ABUSE AND/OR NEGLECT WHILE INCREASING WHAT IS KNOWN AS PROTECTIVE CAPACITIES. CAC UTILIZES VARIOUS CURRICULUM WITHIN THE NURTURING PARENTING PROGRAM SUCH AS NURTURING SKILLS, NURTURING FATHERS, AND NURTURING FAMILIES IN RECOVERY (ADDICTION). THE PARENTING CLASSES ARE OFFERED IN ENGLISH, SPANISH, AND CREOLE TO FAMILIES INVOLVED IN THE DEPENDENCY SYSTEM AS WELL AS THOSE IN THE COMMUNITY LOOKING TO ENHANCE AND IMPROVE THEIR PARENTING ROLES. THE CLASS SCHEDULE OFFERS CLASSES SIX DAYS PER WEEK TO INCLUDE DAYTIME, EVENING, AND WEEKEND HOURS AS NEEDED. THE PARENTING PROGRAM IS OFFERED FREE OF CHARGE. THE PINE MANOR AFTER SCHOOL AND SUMMER PROGRAM IS A PREVENTION PROGRAM WHICH PROVIDES A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR CHILDREN AGES 5-12 WHO RESIDE IN PINE MANOR FOCUSING ON IMPROVING LITERACY, MATHEMATICS, AND SOCIAL SKILLS. SERVICES PROVIDED INCLUDE INDIVIDUALIZED HOMEWORK ASSISTANCE, AFTER SCHOOL KIDZLIT READING ENRICHMENT PROGRAM FOCUSING ON INCREASING LITERACY SKILLS AS WELL AS CHILD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING, SPORTS AND OUTDOOR PLAY, CHARACTER EDUCATION, ARTS AND CRAFTS, FIELD TRIPS, GUEST SPEAKERS, PET THERAPY READING PROGRAM, PARTICIPATION IN THE COMMUNITY GARDEN, LINKING FAMILIES WITH COMMUNITY RESOURCES, AND ONGOING COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS/CAREGIVERS REGARDING THEIR CHILD AND THE CHILD'S PROGRESS IN THE PROGRAM. THE PROGRAM IS PROVIDED AT NO COST. THE CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY CENTER IS THE LEAD AGENCY FOR THE UNITED WAY RESILIENCY HUB IN EAST FORT MYERS. THE EAST RESILIENCY HUB IS A MULTI- AGENCY OUTREACH CENTER OFFERING SOCIAL SERVICES WHICH REFLECT THE NEEDS OF THE EAST FORT MYERS COMMUNITY. THE MISSION OF THE EAST RESILIENCY HUB IS TO STRENGTHEN FAMILIES BY COLLABORATING WITH COMMUNITY PARTNERS AND EMPOWERING LOCAL RESIDENTS AND FAMILIES. THE RESILIENCY HUB PROVIDES A "ONE-STOP SHOP" FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES SEEKING RESOURCES, INFORMATION AND REFERRALS, AND OTHER SOCIAL SERVICES. CAC PARTNERS WITH AGENCIES CO-LOCATED AND PROVIDES A FOOD PANTRY, CLOTHING AND DIAPERS CLOSET, INFORMATION AND REFERRAL, AND ASSISTANCE WITH MEDICAID/FOOD STAMPS/FLORIDA KIDCARE APPLICATIONS AND RENEWALS. SERVICES ARE OFFERED FREE OF CHARGE.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since January 1989.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.
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