Quarterly Insights From MACA

January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month

We're dedicated to protecting children from commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking. Together with our Children's Advocacy Centers (CACs) and Multidisciplinary Team Members (MDTs), we're working to strengthen communities and create safer environments for all children.

We know child trafficking doesn't happen in isolation—it occurs in our communities. As we work across the state to end the commercial sexual exploitation of children, we know that prevention starts with awareness and community connection. Learn the signs of child trafficking and join us in protecting children across Massachusetts. 

In today's digital world, predators are increasingly using technology to exploit children. Online enticement occurs across all digital platforms where young people gather, from social media and messaging apps to gaming communities. With rising cases of online exploitation in Massachusetts, protecting our children in digital spaces is more crucial than ever.

Mildred's Dream Grant Award

We are thrilled to announce that the Massachusetts Children’s Alliance has been awarded a generous $14,000 grant from Mildred’s Dream Foundation! This funding will support our new initiative to create educational resources for shelter staff and immigrant families, focusing on recognizing and responding to child abuse and commercial sexual exploitation.

The project will produce culturally sensitive, on-demand videos to raise awareness and provide critical, trauma-informed care resources for vulnerable populations. We are so excited to embark on this impactful work, which aligns closely with our mission to provide healing, hope, and justice for children across Massachusetts.

Our Year in Numbers

As we reflect on 2024, we're incredibly grateful for our dedicated Children's Advocacy Centers across Massachusetts which work tirelessly to support young survivors and their families. Through forensic interviews, medical care, mental health services, and community education, our CACs create environments where healing begins and resilience grows.

Thank you to every CAC professional who shows up daily with compassion, dedication, and unwavering support for the children who need it most. Your work transforms lives and strengthens our communities. 

Click to view our 2024 Year in Numbers here.

Upcoming Dates in 2025

MACA's 15th Annual Conference -

 Healing, Hope and Justice: An Advanced Conversation

We are excited to announce that our 15th Annual Conference will be held on May 8th, 2025. Stayed tuned as we announce more details on our keynote speaker, workshop information, and registration.

If you would like to receive updates about our annual conference and future trainings, hit the subscribe button below and select the "Trainings and Events" list!

PSB Learning Cohort #5

Nearly a quarter of cases handled by CACs involve youth or children under the age of 18 acting out against another child. The PSB-CBT Training Cohort serves a critical purpose in ensuring an appropriate response by all systems charged with intervention; this is critical to the safety and well-being of child victims, the child with PSBs, and any other children impacted by the behavior and response.

This training cohort also introduces an important educational component to Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs) and Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) partners to gain recognition of PSBs among youth. A priority of the collaborative is to train clinicians in evidence-based treatment and equip them to develop and implement effective responses that ensure the physical and psychological safety of all children and their families at the CAC.

Here are the upcoming dates in 2025 for the PSB Learning Cohort #5:

• Learning Session #1 - August 20-22, 2025 (In person)
• Learning Session #2 - October 27-29, 2025 (In person) 

If you would like to learn more about the Learning Cohort, please email our Service Navigator, Christina, at cpaskewicz@machildrensalliance.org.

Meet our new Co-op Intern, Sarah!

Sarah joined MACA in 2025 as an Intern through Northeastern University's Co-op program, she is currently a third year in the process of getting her Bachelor's of Science in Psychology.

Sarah has previous experience working with children, but is excited to branch out and learn more about child advocacy work. In her free time, she enjoys walking around Boston, discovering new restaurants, and baking.

If you are interested in hearing about future training opportunities or any legislative alerts on behalf of MACA, hit the subscribe button below or visit:

machildrensalliance.org/subscribe.

Our mission is to pioneer the most promising, leading-edge ways that help victims of child abuse

To donate to our mission-driven work, click here.

Your support will:

• Ensure services for the nearly 7,000 children served annually.
• Promote a trauma-informed response for children affected by physical and sexual abuse.
• Provide the latest, most advanced trainings to professionals.
• Advocate for child victims at the state and federal level.

To view our latest Annual Report, please click here.