(858) 966-4011 chadwickcenter@rchsd.org

About Us

In 1975, Dr. David Chadwick and a group of helping professionals around San Diego came together to create a better system for identifying and responding to child abuse and neglect.

The San Diego Child Protection Team (CPT) formed and began meeting weekly in 1976 to provide a centralized, coordinated and comprehensive multidisciplinary response to child abuse allegations and investigations.  The Child Protection Program was established in 1976 at our children’s hospital, eventually transitioning to the current Chadwick Center for Children & Families under Rady Children’s Hospital – San Diego.  This early collaboration and case review model eventually helped to inspire the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) movement.

The Chadwick Center CAC has continued to expand and evolve over the years through local, national and international partnerships and funding.  It’s mission has remained constant – to assess, evaluate, treat and prevent child abuse through our specialized services and education.

Chadwick Center is a fully accredited CAC through National Children’s Alliance (NCA).  Chadwick Center is a member of the Children’s Advocacy Centers of California (CACC) and Western Regional Children’s Advocacy Center (WRCAC).  

Mission Statement

We will promote the health and well-being of abused and traumatized children and their families.  We will accomplish this through excellence and leadership in evaluation, treatment, prevention, education, advocacy and research.

Our Vision

To create a world where children and families are healthy and free from abuse and neglect.