Because kids need someplace to go after a report of abuse.
Boone County’s only Child Advocacy Center, in Lebanon, Indiana.
Since 2010, Sylvia’s Child Advocacy Center has given Boone County child victims of crime a single safe, child-friendly place to tell what happened, once, to a trained forensic interviewer. Sylvia’s CAC provides families an advocate who stays with them for as long as the case lasts, medical and mental health referrals, and more.
Named for Sylvia Likens, a Boone County teen who died in 1965 from what one sheriff called “Indiana’s most terrible crime.” Read Sylvia’s story.
Sylvia Likens, 1949–1965
2010
The year Sylvia’s CAC opened in Lebanon, Indiana. We are Boone County’s Child Advocacy Center.
$0
What a family pays for a forensic interview, advocacy, or a referral. No cost for every family, every time.
10–20%
Higher prosecution rates for child abuse cases in communities with a CAC than without.
2026
Reaccredited by the National Children’s Alliance in October 2026 for another five years. First accredited in 2021.
Four services with one goal to reduce trauma for the child and family
Our mission is to reduce trauma to a child victim of abuse by letting them tell their story once, in a safe and child-focused place, to a trained forensic interviewer, then shepherding the family toward the first steps of healing.
Forensic interviews
Neutral, non-leading, recorded interviews at the request of the Indiana Department of Child Services or law enforcement. Investigators watch from a separate room so the child tells their story once. Severe cases get 24/7 access.
About forensic interviewsChild and family advocacy
An Advocate for the life of the case with support for court dates, Indiana victim rights and compensation, a change of clothes or a backpack, help with schools, employers, and landlords. Months or years later, Advocates still pick up the phone.
About advocacyMedical and mental health referrals
Low- or no-cost counseling and exams through local and regional partners, including telehealth, expedited care for serious cases, and trauma-informed exams by SANE-trained nurses.
About referralsPrevention education
Darkness to Light’s Stewards of Children for adults, and age-appropriate body-safety programs in area schools and youth groups. Abuse reports are more specific and better support investigation after prevention education.
Request a trainingOne place, one interview, one team around the child
Before 2010, a Boone County child might retell their experience to a teacher, a principal, a nurse, an officer, a caseworker, a doctor, and a prosecutor. Now they tell it once, here.
1
Abuse is reported to law enforcement or DCS
Law enforcement or the Department of Child Services opens an investigation and brings every involved child to Sylvia’s CAC.
2
We conduct a forensic interview
A trained interviewer asks non-leading, neutral questions. Discreet cameras record the child’s answers for investigators and the court.
3
We provide referrals and advocacy
An Advocate helps non-offending caregivers through the court system and connects the family to medical and mental health care.
4
Kids begin to heal and recover
Whether a case begins or ends in court, Sylvia’s CAC is “the end of the beginning.” We stay available for the rest of their childhood.
A case that used to take 16 hand-offs now takes 10, and ends in court
Before the CAC opened, a child might be questioned by a teacher, a principal, a nurse, police, DCS, a detective, a hospital, and a prosecutor, often weeks apart, and the case frequently failed due to re-victimization and details. Today the team meets the child at the CAC, builds the case together, and prosecution rates are higher.
See the before and afterA small staff, a large team
Four staff members work from 218 E Washington Street in Lebanon. Around them is a multidisciplinary team of law enforcement, the Indiana Department of Child Services, the Boone County Prosecutor’s Office, medical providers, and mental health providers, all working one case together.
Kassie Frazier, MSW, LSW
Executive Director and forensic interviewer
Licensed social worker since 2010. Executive Director since 2013, with about 600 forensic interviews completed.
Danielle Allen
Child and family advocate, forensic interviewer
Trained in the Child First Finding Words protocol and the Core 40 Sexual Assault Victim Advocate program. On staff since 2018.
Kala Newell
Victim advocate
B.S. in Psychology, Purdue University. Crisis Intervention trained, former CASA volunteer and volunteer coordinator.
Kelly Davidson
Victim advocate
Former Boone County CASA and Safe Families for Children volunteer. Built a company-wide mandated reporting program.
Accredited nationally, funded locally
Sylvia’s CAC is an accredited member of the National Children’s Alliance and is funded by Boone County donors, businesses, grants, and local government. These are some of the organizations and people supporting the mission.
Around Sylvia’s CAC and Boone County
Sylvia’s Child Advocacy Center earns national reaccreditation from NCA
Special thanks to everyone who made the Pedal Parade a success!
Sylvia’s CAC raising $60,000 to meet community needs
Child abuse happens in every neighborhood of Indiana’s fastest-growing county
Boone County is also one of Indiana’s most prosperous. Abuse, assault, and neglect do not care about income, age, race, or family status. Here is how you can help the kids who come through our doors.
Donate
Gifts of any size keep forensic interviews, advocacy, and referrals at no cost for every Boone County family.
Give onlineVolunteer
Help at the Pedal Parade, the Fore the Kids golf outing, Sylvia’s Breakfast, or behind the scenes.
Volunteer with usBook a training
Bring Stewards of Children to your school, church, team, or workplace. Sessions take one to three hours.
Request prevention trainingSylvia’s Child Advocacy Center · 218 E Washington St, Lebanon, IN 46052