UPMC Child Advocacy Center in Carlisle Receives National Children’s Alliance Satellite Membership

April 23, 2026

HARRISBURG, Pa. – UPMC Child Advocacy Center in Carlisle has been awarded Satellite Membership by National Children’s Alliance following an extensive application and review process. This recognition reflects UPMC Child Advocacy Center's ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, coordinated services to child abuse victims in central Pennsylvania and surrounding communities.

The UPMC Child Advocacy Center in Carlisle was opened in 2022 and is dedicated to reducing the trauma and the aftermath of abuse for children and their families while providing care in a safe, child-friendly environment for children suspected of having been abused or neglected. As a Satellite Member of the National Children’s Alliance, the UPMC Child Advocacy Center in Carlisle provides comprehensive, coordinated and compassionate services to victims of child abuse.

The National Children’s Alliance awards various levels of membership to centers responding to allegations of child abuse in ways that are effective and efficient and puts the needs of the child first. Satellite Members must utilize a functioning and effective multidisciplinary team approach to work collaboratively in child abuse investigation, prosecution and treatment.

“As an organization dedicated to a coordinated and collaborative response to child abuse, we recognize the importance of achieving Satellite Member status from National Children’s Alliance as a team,” said Shannon Cossaboom, director of Operations, UPMC Child Advocacy Center of Central Pa. “Satellite membership demonstrates to the community the care and commitment to provide proven evidenced-based services to those in need.  It also helps to establish consistency across the child advocacy center movement as a whole and allows us to facilitate hope, healing and resiliency for everyone we serve.”

Opened in 1994 and having served more than 24,000 children suspected of abuse, neglect or exposure to violence, UPMC Child Advocacy Center of Central Pa. in Dauphin County earned Accredited Child Advocacy Center status with the National Children’s Alliance and is one of the first nationally accredited child advocacy centers in Pennsylvania.

UPMC Child Advocacy Center also has an office located in Lebanon County. For more information about the UPMC Child Advocacy Center of Central Pa., visit UPMC Child Advocacy Center of Central Pa.