The Will County Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) is a child-focused, interagency response center that brings together law enforcement, child protection, prosecution, mental health, medical, and victim advocacy professionals to collaboratively investigate child abuse, conduct forensic interviews, provide evidence-based interventions, and assess cases for prosecution. Each year, the CAC serves more than 700 children ages 3–17 who have experienced severe physical abuse, sexual abuse, commercial exploitation, neglect, and exposure to violence in Will County. To expand its services, the County acquired a former daycare facility to be renovated for CAC use, with the critical goals of rapid delivery and adherence to a fixed budget.
Wight partnered with Will County through its integrated Architectural, Engineering, and Construction Management model to deliver the project from concept through completion. Working closely with the County, Wight helped realize a vision for a facility that supports current CAC operations while allowing for future expansion. The renovated space includes multiple private rooms for child forensic interviews and trauma-informed therapy, along with upgraded building infrastructure. The entire first floor was reimagined to create a state-of-the-art environment that balances operational efficiency with a quiet, welcoming atmosphere for children and families, while meeting the needs of the multidisciplinary CAC team, including law enforcement officers, therapists, and child protection advocates.
