WHO WE ARE
The Vermont Children’s Alliance is a non-profit network of children’s advocacy centers, all of which are committed to working together to improve the way Vermont supports and responds to victims of child abuse and child sexual abuse. Our member programs can be found throughout Vermont and currently serve abused children and their families in every single county.
overview of strategic plan
To better serve child abuse victims in Vermont, the Vermont Children's Alliance is actively working to: elevate statewide awareness and education efforts for child advocacy centers; increase access to essential services; strengthen our organizational structure and capacity to deliver high-quality programs; provide impactful training and technical assistance; and cultivate a healthy and sustainable workplace for our staff.
Our MISSION
The Vermont Children's Alliance mission is to foster the growth of the child advocacy centers by providing statewide support and resources, promoting awareness of child abuse and it's impact on our communities.
VERMONT CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER LOCATIONS
WHAT IS A CAC?
To understand what a Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) is, you must understand what children face without one. Without a CAC, child may end up having to tell the worst story of his or her life over and over again, to doctors, law enforcement, lawyers, therapists, investigators, judges, and others. They may have to talk about that traumatic experience in a police station where they think they might be in trouble, or may be asked the wrong questions by a well-meaning teacher or other adult that could hurt the case against the abuser.
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The CAC offers some services at the center, some specialized referrals
and coordination of all team members:
With CACs
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With CACs
With a CAC all of the services and support a child/their family may need can be available to them all in one place – where every team member works together to help on the healing journey.
VICTIM ADVOCACY
Victim Advocates work to provide seamless support, resources and referrals to survivors and their caregivers! They are able to stay in touch, advocate on behalf of the child or adult and share information from the team about the process and investigation.
Forensic Interviews
A dedicated interviewer, will provide a neutral interview at the pace and to the comfort of the interviewee. The intention of the interview is to learn the persons experience, from their perspective. In this style interview, the child or interviewee is in control of the conversation. ​​
Medical Exams
Specialized medical evaluation and treatment are made available to child advocacy center clients as part of the team response. Children can receive a non-traumatizing and often reassuring medical exam that is tailored to the child and their level of comfort. ​​
Therapy
Group therapy and individual therapy services are available to youth effected by sexual and physical violence, as well as their family members. Children and families will have access to a trained professional who specializes in trauma of this nature and understand the support they may need.​​​​​​
our FOUR pillars
Support & Advocacy
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Assist local communities with developing their own centers
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Help local centers identify and meet the needs of their communities
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Create awareness among professionals and communities about CACs and child abuse
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Solicit and administer funding for active and developing centers
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Advocacy with other state agencies
Training Services & Opportunities
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Forensic Interviewing Training
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Peer Review
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Advocacy Training
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Victim Advocate Peer Support Forum
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Scholarships/Reduced Rates for specified statewide and national trainings
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Annual Training Conference
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Nonprofit Management Training for New Directors
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Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Training​
Communications & Outreach
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Coordination of information to/from the National Children’s Alliance, Northeast Regional Child Advocacy Centers and other state chapters
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Monthly Newsletter
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Monthly conference call for CAC Directors, quarterly board meeting
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Annual VCA membership retreat
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Annual VCA Legislative Breakfast
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Mentoring coordination and sharing of ideas and information
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Inclusion in Chapter PSAs​​​​
Technical Assistance
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​Provide technical assistance and training for Child Advocacy Center boards, staff and Multidisciplinary Teams
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Site Visits
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Respond to requests for information regarding contractual and funding requirements, human resources, financial and general management questions, program development ideas, and MDT interaction
MEET OUR STAFF
Executive Director
Patti Randall
Patti joined the Vermont Children's Alliance in 2012 as Assistant Director. Prior to that, she served as Executive Director of the Bennington County Child Advocacy Center, bringing extensive experience in the child advocacy field to the VCA. Patti was promoted to Executive Director of the VCA in 2023. In this role, she leads the organization in supporting the 13 child advocacy centers across Vermont, enhancing the CAC model statewide, and overseeing the daily operations of the VCA. Prior to her work in the CAC field, she served as an office assistant in the Trust & Estate Administration Office at Williams College. In her free time, Patti enjoys reading and writing contemporary fiction and spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren.
Director of Outreach and Advocacy
SAM Prince
Sam joined the Vermont Children's Alliance in 2022 as the Outreach Education Coordinator. In 2025, she took on a leadership role, currently serving as the Director of Outreach and Advocacy. In addition to her role at the VCA, Sam serves as the Executive Director and Dedicated Interview Specialist for Windham County. She has held this position since 2020. Sam holds a bachelor's degree in forensic psychology and a master's degree in clinical psychology. Prior to her current roles, Sam gained valuable experience in the mental health field and in the investigation of abuse allegations. In her free time, Sam enjoys spending time with loved ones, exploring her home state, traveling, and indulging in her passion for finding the best donuts.
Training and Resource Development Coordinator
ZOE NIXON
Zoe Nixon joined the VCA in 2025 as the Training and Administrative Resource Development Coordinator, responsible for coordinating training and professional development for Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) and Multidisciplinary Teams (MDTs) across Vermont. She also works diligently to find new ways to increase support to both the VCA and CAC's. Prior to joining the VCA, Zoe served as the Human Trafficking Case Manager for Southern Vermont since 2022, where she assisted Vermont residents of all ages in overcoming trauma and challenges related to human trafficking. Zoe holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Southern New Hampshire University, with a focus on the psychological aspects of victimization. Her background in case management and understanding of the needs of vulnerable populations make her a valuable asset to the VCA. In her free time, Zoe enjoys reading, skiing, hiking with her two dogs, and spending time with her family on the many lakes in Vermont and New York.
