This document presents the transcript of a discussion between Jennifer Calder and Salli Kerr on the operations of a regional Children’s Advocacy Center and the unique aspects of the Western Region, including its large geographic area with many rural populations as well as Native or Tribal organizational partners.
Jennifer Calder's interview of Salli Kerr, the Training Specialist and Tribal Liaison at the Western Regional Children’s Advocacy Center (WRCAC), is recorded in this document. Ms. Kerr describes her background and role with the WRCAC, including her work as the Tribal Liaison. The discussion provides an overview of CACs and other training and technical assistance providers, and how they are connected to each other and the National Children’s Alliance (NCA); the WRCAC’s work with Tribes and their role in Tribal accreditation; some trainings and other resources offered by WRCAC; advice for non-Native service providers working with multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) or CACs to serve Indigenous children and families; Kerr’s view of the current state of the CAC movement in Indian Country; as well as advice for Native nations that are considering developing their own CACs.