About Us
The Child Advocacy Center (CAC) model has been in the United States since 1985 and has been deemed the “best practice” model in response to childhood sexual abuse. The CAC is a coordinated, multidisciplinary team response to the investigation, prosecution, and treatment of child abuse victims, and provides a safe and child friendly environment where children can come to be interviewed one time by a specially trained forensic interviewer.
Our Mission
A collaborative, trauma informed approach to assessing, investigating and prosecuting cases of child abuse in Miami County. The Child Advocacy Center will support children and families to optimize safety, promote healing, and pursue justice for child victims.
Our Vision
We strive to achieve excellence as the community leaders in delivering a specialized response to all child abuse victims and families in Miami County and beyond.
Our Team
Falling under the non-profit umbrella of Isaiah’s Place, the Child Advocacy Center is a collaboration between:
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Miami County Department of Job and Family Services, Children Services Division,
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Miami County Prosecutor’s Office
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Victim Witness,
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Miami County Sheriff’s Department
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Troy Police Department
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Piqua Police Department
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Tipp City Police Department
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Covington Police Department
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West Milton Police Department
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Dayton Children’s Hospital Division of Child Advocacy
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Child serving mental health providers in Miami County
Jennifer Knisley MSW, LISW
Program Director
Jennifer has been a social worker since 2004 and has worked primarily in the field of child maltreatment. She worked previously for Isaiah’s Place as a caseworker and again for several years doing licensing, recruitment and investigations. She lives locally with her husband who is a firefighter, 2 boys, chocolate lab and barn cat. She loves all things baking, dark chocolate and puzzles.
Kayla Haver MS, LPCC, LICDC
Child Therapist
Kayla is a local from Piqua and excited to serve her community while working at the Child Advocacy Center. She is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor, and Kayla has served in the counseling field for 4 plus years, previously serving youth and families in early childhood settings. Kayla enjoys meeting families where they are at in their lives and assisting them in navigating barriers to successful achievement of their goals. She enjoys watching families have their “aha” moments and is servant-hearted and dedicated to assisting in making a positive impact on client’s lives. Kayla is blessed to have a 14 (almost 15) year old daughter. Kayla enjoys spending time with her daughter, being a marching band mom, reading, watching movies, and watching sports.
Ashley Jenkins MSW, LSW
Social Worker
Ashley is a proud military spouse of 14 years. She is a Licensed Social worker and has been working in the field for 8 years. Upon graduating from University of Hawaii with a Bachelor of Social Work degree, she worked for Miami County Children’s Services as a caseworker with the Intake and Investigations Unit. Upon graduating from The Ohio State University with a Master of Social Work degree, she transitioned to the clinical mental health field and worked as a behavioral health therapist and crisis assessment specialist at Dayton Children’s Hospital. Ashley and her husband have been foster parents for 3 years and have two biological children. Ashley enjoys spending time with her family, exploring the world, learning new things, and loving her two doodle-dogs. Ashley is excited to help guide children and families through the foster care licensing process and beyond at Isaiah’s Place!