Kara McElhone serves as the Executive Director of the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) of Hampshire County. With a background in public education and community advocacy, McElhone’s journey into child advocacy began when District Attorney Dave Sullivan, a board advisor for the CAC, invited her to learn more about the organization. She initially joined as a board member before stepping into her leadership role in April 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic began to reshape the landscape of victim services.
“It was a strange time to begin anything,” McElhone recalled. “But everyone had something to learn then. It wasn’t just me.”
McElhone quickly adapted to the challenges of leading a CAC through a global pandemic. From the start, she focused on expanding accessibility for families across Hampshire County’s diverse mix of urban and rural communities. “Transportation alone is a huge challenge,” she explained. “We serve 20 different communities, each with its own distinct identity, law enforcement practices, and school systems. It’s a boots-on-the-ground effort—being present in schools, attending community events, and making sure families know our services are for them, no matter where they live.”
One of McElhone’s most impactful initiatives has been the opening of a satellite office in Belchertown. Recognizing that families in the easternmost part of the county were struggling with the long drive to Northampton for services, McElhone and her team identified Belchertown as a strategic location to expand access.
“For families coming in for a one-time forensic interview or medical exam, a long drive might be manageable,” she said. “But for those needing ongoing advocacy and mental health support, the distance was just too much. The Belchertown office ensures those families can now receive care in a more accessible location.”
The success of the Belchertown expansion was made possible through strong community partnerships, particularly with local law enforcement. “The police chief actually found the space for us,” McElhone shared. “That kind of support speaks volumes about the commitment of this community to protecting its children.”
Beyond expanding physical access, McElhone has championed initiatives to strengthen the intersection between education and child advocacy. For example, Handle with Care, a training offered by the CAC of Hampshire County, fosters communication between law enforcement and schools, ensuring that children who have experienced trauma receive the support they need in the classroom.
“Schools are often the first to recognize concerning behaviors, yet they haven’t traditionally had a seat at the table in our multidisciplinary response,” McElhone noted. “We’re changing that. Schools should be an integral part of the conversation when it comes to child safety and healing.”
Under McElhone’s leadership, the Hampshire County CAC has also expanded on-site mental health services, reducing reliance on overburdened community providers. The addition of a Pediatric Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (Pediatric SANE) further strengthens the CAC’s ability to offer a full spectrum of care in-house.
“Our focus is on both prevention and healing,” McElhone emphasized. “We’ve made incredible progress, but there’s always more to be done. I want Hampshire County to be the safest place in the U.S. to raise a child. I don’t see why we couldn’t make that a reality.”
McElhone credits the Massachusetts Children’s Alliance (MACA) with being a critical resource in her journey as a CAC leader. “We have such unique jobs, and having a network of other CAC directors to lean on is invaluable,” she said. “MACA provides the support, expertise, and shared knowledge that allows us to reach as many kids as possible.”
At the heart of McElhone’s vision is a deep commitment to community engagement. “People don’t know what a CAC is unless they need one,” she said. “But this work builds a safer, healthier community for everyone. My job is to make sure people understand that protecting kids is something we all have a role in.”
Through her leadership, dedication to accessibility, and commitment to building partnerships, McElhone is ensuring that children and families in Hampshire County receive the services and support they need, when and where they need them.