Williston Opens New Center For Child Abuse Support

A new resource for children and families in northwest North Dakota has opened in Williston, offering services for victims of child abuse.

The ConnectUs Children’s Advocacy Center, a division of the ConnectUs Foundation, provides a child-friendly space where law enforcement, child protection workers and mental health professionals work together to investigate abuse cases. The center is designed to limit trauma by allowing a child to share their story once with a trained forensic interviewer.

“This CAC represents hope for children and families in our community,” said Katie Shannon, licensed clinical social worker and executive director of the center. “We are committed to providing a safe space where children are believed, supported, and given the tools they need to heal.”

“The Children’s Advocacy Center makes a tremendous difference in how we respond to child abuse cases,” said Williston Police Chief Steve Gutknecht. “It allows us to work alongside trained child welfare professionals in a setting that is designed to reduce trauma for children while helping us build stronger cases. It’s a huge win for our community.”

“The ConnectUs CAC has invested substantial effort to become the fourth of its kind in the State, and we are thankful for the statewide partnerships that continue to support the vision of a community where justice is accessible, prevention is possible, families are resilient, and children can heal,” Shannon said.

“We’re proud to welcome the ConnectUs CAC into our statewide network,” said Greg Kasowski, executive director of the Children’s Advocacy Centers of North Dakota. “The CAC movement in North Dakota has been life-changing for children who have been sexually abused, physically abused, severely neglected, or trafficked.”

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A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for February 2026. Community members will be able to tour the facility, meet staff and hear remarks from local officials and Shannon.