About PCAC
The Paulding Child Advocacy Center (PCAC) provides a neutral environment to talk with children. Our home-like setting allows children involved in abuse investigations to be interviewed by trained professionals in a friendly and comfortable environment. We assist in the coordination of investigations so that the various involved agencies work together for the best outcomes.
PCAC History
In August 2000, the Paulding Division of Family and Children Services and Paulding County Sheriff's Office began referring cases to the child advocacy center in Rome, Georgia (Harbor House). After more than 60 Paulding families were served by Harbor House, local agencies agreed that a center was needed in Paulding County to better serve the community. In 2003, land was donated and the Paulding Homebuilders Association began construction on what is now our current facility. Harbor House continued to provide trained staff to conduct forensic interviews at PCAC from 2004 through April 2017. In May 2017, PCAC became an independent center with its own staff and expanded services from not only forensic interviewing but also on-site therapy and specialized training for community members/professionals.
PCAC Staff
PCAC's staff consists of a full time Executive Director, Clinical Director, and Program Administrator. Part-time volunteer therapists and family advocates (through internships) assist full-time staff in the daily operations of the center.
Ivy Capps, MS, joined PCAC in November 2018 as Executive Director. She has over 23 years of experience in
social services and advocacy, 16 of which were spent at child advocacy centers around the southeast. Ivy
has conducted more than 900 interviews and feels that working at a child advocacy center is a 'calling'
for her. To contact Ivy, email ivyc@pauldingcac.org.
Claire Kirkland, LCSW, joined PCAC as Clinical Director in March 2019. She has several years experience
working with children providing intervention and therapeutic services, as well as forensic interviewing.
Claire took up the reins to build our therapy services program and supervises the intern therapists and family
advocates. You can reach Claire at clairek@pauldingcac.org.
Kelly McFearin, BA, joined PCAC in January 2018 after 9 years as Administrator/Family Advocate at Harbor House.
Thanks to her affiliation with that center and it's involvement with Paulding law enforcement and DFCS, she had
existing professional relationships with the Paulding community and thus made a smooth transition from Harbor
House to PCAC. She has more than 22 years of experience in social services and child advocacy. To contact Kelly,
email kellym@pauldingcac.org.
PCAC Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors are volunteers from the community who dedicate themselves to the operation and mission of PCAC.
President - Karen Burnsed Secretary - Deedee Walraven Treasurer - (vacant)
Narda Konchel Amy Womack Dyan Earnhart Alex Crenshaw
