In early April, Program Director Deanna Chancellor and Training & Technical Assistance Specialist Bethany Black had the honor of visiting the Heart to Heart Child Advocacy Center, located on the Qualla Boundary of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Heart to Heart was established to serve children and families in the Qualla Boundary community and is proudly accredited by the National Children’s Alliance (NCA). As they prepare for their upcoming NCA reaccreditation—a comprehensive process that includes a detailed review of multidisciplinary team functioning, case tracking, child-focused settings, cultural competence, and access to medical and mental health services—Program Manager Clara Wahnetah reached out to the Native Child Advocacy Resource Center (NCARC) to request a mock site visit.
Deanna and Bethany spent the day with Clara and her dedicated team, reviewing documentation such as protocols, case tracking logs, and MDT meeting notes; touring the facility to ensure it aligns with national standards; and discussing both the center’s history and its exciting future plans. A highlight of the visit was touring the family room—its thoughtful design and welcoming atmosphere truly exemplified the warm, trauma-informed environment that NCA standards encourage. This visit also marked a special milestone for Bethany, as it was her first opportunity to provide technical assistance in the field since joining NCARC. It was a valuable and rewarding experience for all involved.
If your Child Advocacy Center is preparing for accreditation or reaccreditation and would benefit from guidance on meeting NCA standards, the NCARC team is here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out to schedule a time to discuss your center’s needs.