BestSelf highlights critical work at Scott Bieler Child Advocacy Center during Child Abuse Prevention Month

BestSelf Behavioral Health Press Release

Today, BestSelf Behavioral Health welcomed community leaders and supporters to the Scott Bieler Child Advocacy Center (CAC) to honor National Child Abuse Prevention Month and spotlight the urgent, life-changing work within its walls. 

The CAC opened its new, expanded location in September 2024 on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. The state-of-the-art facility was made possible through a generous gift from the Scott Bieler Family Foundation and brings together a network of co-located partners, including law enforcement, child protective services, medical professionals, and mental health clinicians – all working together under one roof to support children and families on their path to healing. 

“As we gather in this space, it’s important to remember that the work happening here never stops,” said Ellen Bieler, board chair of BestSelf Behavioral Health. “We are here in the lobby of the CAC today because a family is upstairs receiving the care and support they need. That’s the power of this center – and the reason we remain so committed to this mission.” 

Each year in Erie County alone, more than 3,000 children report abuse. Nationally, 1 in 10 children will be abused before their 18th birthday – statistics that underscore the critical need for services like those provided at the CAC. 

“During Child Abuse Prevention Month – and every month – we are committed to providing children and families with high-quality, trauma-informed care,” said Liz Woike, president and CEO of BestSelf Behavioral Health. “The CAC is a vital part of our community’s response to child abuse, and this work would not be possible without the incredible support of our partners and donors.” 

In a visible reminder of this issue’s scale and significance, BestSelf recently planted 3,000 blue pinwheels – one for each child who reports abuse annually in Erie County – outside its Delaware Summer Clinic to raise awareness throughout April. 

Catie Gavin, LMSW, first deputy commissioner, Erie County Department of Social Services, said, "Child abuse prevention is a community issue. Everyone plays a role in preventing child abuse and maltreatment. Child protection workers are the front line after a concern has been brought to our attention. They work 365 days per year to protect our children and families. It is their tireless work, as well as that of other multidisciplinary team members, that ensure we can put a stop to maltreatment and provide support to families. The CAC brings these teams and collaborators together so that we can all play a role in preventing child maltreatment.”

Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon said, “This center is a testament to what we can accomplish when we come together as a community. The City of Buffalo remains committed to supporting efforts that protect our most vulnerable residents: our children.” 

The multidisciplinary team (MDT) – which includes medical providers, forensic interviewers, child protective services, law enforcement, advocates and mental health professionals – works in seamless coordination to ensure each child and family receives comprehensive, trauma-informed care and support from the moment they walk through the door. 

Sam Vaughn, director of the Scott Bieler Child Advocacy Center at BestSelf, said, "I’m excited to be here today on behalf of the diverse members of the Erie County multidisciplinary team. This occasion highlights the unwavering support from our community, both in the city and county, committed to ensuring the safety of our children and families, truly embodying the spirit of a city of good neighbors. We take great pride in this new building and everyone who shares this space. A heartfelt thank you to everyone present today, as well as those who are here, but have played a vital role in our journey to this moment.”

Attendees were also encouraged to take action during Child Abuse Prevention Month: 

√ Join the community for the CAC 5K on April 27 at Delaware Park.

√ Stop by any Paula’s Donuts location throughout April to pick up a Cookie Monster doughnut, with proceeds benefiting the CAC.

√ Register for BestSelf’s annual golf tournament on June 30 at Orchard Park Country Club. 

For more information about Child Abuse Prevention Month activities and CAC events, BestSelf Behavioral Health, and efforts to prevent child abuse, visit www.cacbuffalo.org.

BestSelf Behavioral Health is the largest community-based behavioral health organization serving children and adults with mental health and substance use disorders in WNY. It provides easy access to a full continuum of person-centered, trauma-informed behavioral health treatment, rehabilitation and recovery services. BestSelf has an annual budget of $94 million and serves more than 41,000 children and adults in 70-plus locations in Western New York.