Maria Wahlen

Founded in 1997, Dakota Children's Advocacy Center is a multidisciplinary organization dedicated to supporting children and families affected by abuse and trauma. The non-profit company is based in Bismarck, ND. The center provides forensic interviews, advocacy, specialized medical evaluations, and trauma-focused mental health therapies, including trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive processing therapy for PTSD, problem sexual behavior CBT, parent-child interaction therapy, and structured psychotherapy for adolescents responding to chronic stress. Dakota Children's Advocacy Center also offers a telehealth outreach program to expand access to services and operates family-friendly, victim-focused facilities, fostering collaboration among law enforcement, prosecutors, social workers, medical and mental health professionals for coordinated investigations and interventions. The organization supports families with education, prevention programs, and resources on child safety and victim rights, emphasizing accessibility and inclusion.