Nassau County Child Advocacy Center Unveiled In Bethpage

BETHPAGE, NY — The Nassau County Child Advocacy Center was officially unveiled on Friday in Bethpage.

The EAC Network expanded its CACs to now operate in both Nassau and Suffolk Counties, to fight against child abuse, sex trafficking, and sex exploitation. EAC Network is a not-for-profit social and human service agency for more than 80,000 New Yorkers.

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This expansion is the first time a single organization on Long Island is positioned to "provide a unified, island-wide response to child abuse and exploitation," officials said.

The Nassau County CAC will operate two programs:

• Child Advocacy Center Program, which provides a "coordinated, trauma-informed response to children who have experienced physical or sexual abuse, ensuring they receive forensic interviews, medical evaluations, and mental health support in a safe, child-friendly environment."
• Safe Harbour Program, which aims to protect Long Island minors under 18 years old "from sex trafficking and sexual exploitation, offering comprehensive services and advocacy."

President & CEO of EAC Network Neela Mukherjee Lockel said the Nassau County center has already received nearly 200 referrals from partners for cases of suspected abuse.

"Child abuse and sex trafficking don't stop at county lines, and neither do we," she said.

After the ribbon-cutting event, guests were given a tour of the center, which is located at 15 Grumman Road West, Suite 1000, in Bethpage. Officials said Julianna, a survivor and former CAC client, spoke about the center's impact on her life:

"The Nassau CAC became a place where I could begin to rebuild myself. It gave me support when I felt alone, understanding when I felt misunderstood, and compassion when I needed it most. Here, I found people who helped me see that what happened to me did not define me. For every person who walks through these doors carrying fear, confusion, or pain, I want them to know that healing is possible. There is life after trauma. There is strength within your story, even when you cannot yet see it. I am living proof of that."

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman wrote in a statement that EAC Network has strengthened Nassau County's ability to respond swiftly and compassionately to "our most vulnerable residents."

"Nassau County is committed to ensuring every child is safe, protected, and supported," he wrote.

In 2024, there were 45,746 reported maltreated children, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. According to NYS KWIC, there has been an upward trend in the total number of reports of child abuse and maltreatment after 2020.

Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly said the EAC Network's leadership helps children receive trauma-informed care.

"The Nassau County Child Advocacy Center is a cornerstone of how we protect children and hold offenders accountable," she said.

More information about EAC Network's child protection programs or to make a referral can be found online or by contacting EAC Division Director Andrea Ramos-Topper at 631-439-0480 or andrea.ramos-topper@eac-netowrk.org.