Children's Advocacy Center of Hampshire County

10/02/2026

Recognizing signs of an unhealthy relationship is a skill that can help keep kids safe and happy.

A large part of our prevention work is working with middle school aged kids on recognizing healthy and unhealthy peer and dating relationships. We discuss how sometimes the red flags of an unhealthy relationship are obvious (like physical violence), while others are more subtle (like sharing pictures without permission).

The responses seen in this post are from a group of seventh graders participating in the first of five lessons of Power Up Speak Out, our healthy relationships curriculum. We will go on to examine power in relationships, boundaries and consent.

09/25/2026

09/15/2026

The fall session of Unity Basketball kicked off last night at JFK Middle School in Northampton, bringing kids and community partners together for another season of basketball, connection, and fun. Next week, we’ll be heading to Easthampton!

Led by NPD Detective Lauren Bolduc, Unity Basketball is a free program that brings together young people and local first responders and community partners through the shared language of sports. The program is a collaboration between the Northwestern District Attorney's Office, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Hampshire County, Easthampton Fire Department , Northampton Police Department and Massachusetts State Police.

Registration for this FREE program is OPEN through Northampton Parks & Recreation Department and open for kids in 5th to 8th grade: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSelqespk5s54W-RiUJqT7frxbXLA1uTKP8MpLQAytY9xrfEHg/viewform

We’re so happy to be back on the court together! 🏀❤️

09/01/2026

It’s been a busy and meaningful season at the CAC!

If you missed our Summer Newsletter, take a look through its highlights and sign up for our mailing list (https://www.cachampshire.org/sign-up-for-newsletter) to catch the next one!

08/28/2026

As Teen Mental Health Month comes to a close, we’re highlighting an important part of what we do every day at the CAC: providing trauma-informed mental health services that help children and teens heal, feel safe, and build a path forward.

Our clinicians use evidence-based, trauma-informed approaches tailored to each child’s unique needs and experiences.There is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing. We work collaboratively with youth and caregivers to create a safe, supportive space where young people can process what they’ve experienced, develop healthy coping skills, strengthen relationships, and regain a sense of safety and control.

Because supporting teen mental health means more than recognizing when a young person is struggling; it means making sure they have access to the specialized care they need to heal.

08/21/2026

Everyone copes with stress and difficult emotions differently!

Sometimes, having a few simple tools to turn to can help you feel a little more grounded and in control when things get overwhelming.

Give yourself permission to slow down, take things one step at a time, and figure out what works best for you. You don’t have to have everything figured out, and you don’t have to handle difficult moments alone.

08/20/2026

We had such a great time tonight at Easthampton’s Cookout with a Cop tonight! 🌭

Our CAC team was there connecting with families, sharing child abuse prevention resources, and making buttons together.
Community events like this give us a wonderful opportunity to meet families where they are, build connections, and share tools that help keep kids safe.

Thanks to the Easthampton Police Department Easthampton Police Department for bringing the community together—and to everyone who stopped by our table! 🌻

08/14/2026

Having conversations about mental health with teens can make a big difference!

Knowing what to say, and what to not say, can help create a space where teens feel comfortable being open about how they’re feeling.

Check out our list of conversation tips,chime in with any of your own and follow along for more Teen Mental Health information this month

08/11/2026

August is Teen Mental Health Awareness Month 💚

From conversation tips to coping skills to an insight into the mental health services we provide, check back in throughout the month for the resources we’ll be sharing!

08/02/2026

AI can do a lot for us, but helping our kids navigate the world of online sexual interactions is not something we want AI to be weighing in on. See above for reasons why.

Being a safe adult for children is a great way to help them feel safe in uncertain situations. Reinforce for kids that you are someone that they can trust to talk to and that you WILL get them help if they need it.

For more resources and support, check out our website!