Santa Clara County Breaks Ground on Children's Advocacy Center in Morgan Hill

New facility will provide integrated services for abused and neglected children and their families in South County

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The County of Santa Clara is set to begin construction on a new Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) at the Valley Health Center in Morgan Hill. The CAC will bring together investigative and support services, including medical, prosecutorial and forensic services, for abused and neglected children and their families in South County.

Why it matters

The new CAC in Morgan Hill will help address access barriers that have prevented many South County families from utilizing the existing CAC in San Jose, which has served over 4,200 children since opening in 2021. South County experiences the county's second highest rate of child sexual abuse reports, making this new facility a critical resource for the community.

The details

The multidisciplinary CAC includes partners from Santa Clara Valley Healthcare, the Department of Family and Children's Services, law enforcement agencies and community-based organizations. It will provide free services such as forensic interviews, medical exams, trauma-focused therapy and victim advocacy. The new location will be housed in existing medical office space at the VHC Morgan Hill, allowing for easy access to additional support services.

  • The CAC is expected to open in early 2027.
  • In December 2023, the Board of Supervisors voted to approve funding to develop and staff the second CAC location in South County.
  • The county opened its first Children's Advocacy Center in San José in 2021.

The players

Sylvia Arenas

Supervisor for Santa Clara County.

Greta Hansen

Chief Operating Officer for the County of Santa Clara.

Jeff Rosen

District Attorney for the County of Santa Clara.

Valley Health Center

The location where the new Children's Advocacy Center will be housed in Morgan Hill.

Department of Family and Children's Services

A partner organization that will be involved with the new Children's Advocacy Center.

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What they’re saying

“By expanding the Children's Advocacy Center to South County, we are wrapping our arms around our most vulnerable children and empowering their healing journey in the comfort and safety of their community.”

— Sylvia Arenas, Supervisor (Gilroy Dispatch)

“The Children's Advocacy Center is a powerful example of what government can do when we work together. It is a model of excellence in integrated care and compassion for children and families who have experienced abuse and trauma.”

— Greta Hansen, Chief Operating Officer, County of Santa Clara (Gilroy Dispatch)

“By bringing these proven services to South County, we are building a safer, more compassionate future—one where every child can get the help they deserve without leaving their own community. They do not come to us for help. We go to them.”

— Jeff Rosen, District Attorney, County of Santa Clara (Gilroy Dispatch)

What’s next

The new Children's Advocacy Center in Morgan Hill is expected to open in early 2027 after the completion of construction on the facility.

The takeaway

The expansion of the Children's Advocacy Center to South County will help address access barriers that have prevented many families from utilizing these critical services, ensuring that vulnerable children and their families in the region can receive the comprehensive, trauma-informed support they need close to home.