Episode 1:  

From Sacrifice to Sustainability: Transforming the culture of CACs 

Guest:  

Sufna John, PhD

Associate Professor, Co-Director of the Arkansas Building Effective Services for Trauma (ARBEST) program  

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences 

Episode Description: 

In this episode, we explore how Children’s Advocacy Centers are evolving beyond outdated professional norms that often lead to burnout and martyrdom. Dr. Sufna John, a licensed psychologist and expert in trauma-informed care, joins us to share her insights on fostering a healthier, more sustainable work environment in the CAC field. Discover how shifting workplace mantras can enhance both the well-being of professionals and the quality of care for the families they serve.

Download Transcript 

Show Notes: 

In this episode of The SRCAC Exchange podcast, host Christina Rouse kicks off Season 3, focusing on igniting the drive and resilience of Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) professionals. Joined by Dr. Sufna John, a licensed psychologist from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, they explore the ingrained workplace mantras often found within Children's Advocacy Centers (CACs). They focus on how statements like “If I don’t do it, no one will” can lead to a culture of martyrdom, burnout, and unhealthy work environments. The conversation encourages CAC professionals to shift from self-sacrificing behaviors to a more sustainable approach that values teamwork, collective responsibility, and long-term resilience. 

The episode also addresses the role of leadership in transforming workplace culture. Dr. John and Christina discuss strategies to foster a healthier, more supportive environment, emphasizing the need for leaders to model self-care and encourage a collaborative approach to work. The episode provides practical advice for both large teams and single-staff CACs, suggesting ways to reframe responsibilities, seek support, and prevent burnout. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure CAC professionals can continue their crucial work while maintaining their well-being, leading to better outcomes for both staff and the families they serve. Hit the subscribe button now!  

Key Quote: 

• “You can be passionately dedicated to your work and still realize that work is not done alone, and work does not have to be carried by me alone.”- Dr. Sufna John 

Episode Resources:  

• The Vicarious Trauma Toolkit from Office for Victims of Crime [Toolkit] 

• What Is Emotional Labor, and Why Does It Matter? from Greater Good Magazine [Article]  

• University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences [Website] 

• Arkansas Building Effective Services for Trauma (ARBEST) [Website] 

• Arkansas Trauma Resource Initiative for Schools (T R I S) [Website] 

 Host:

Christina Rouse, MSW 

Program Manager, CAC Development 

Southern Regional CAC

Project Manager: 

Lauren Tanner, MSEd 

Program Manager, Communications & Instructional Design 

Southern Regional CAC 

Season Resources:

• CE-CERT Training [Training] 

• Reset. Reflect. Refuel. Hub [Video Series]  

• Psychological First Aid Guide for Children’s Advocacy Center Supervisors [Resource] 

Want to hear more? Subscribe to The SRCAC Exchange to be sure you don't miss an episode!  

Like what you hear? Show your support by leaving a rating and review for The SRCAC Exchange podcast.  

Connect with SRCAC by: 

• Visiting our website 

• Signing up for our emails 

• Following us on Facebook & LinkedIn 

• Contacting us 

Connect with your Chapter: 

• Midwest Region Chapters 

• Northeast Region Chapters 

• Southern Region Chapters 

• Western Region Chapters 

Connect to your Regional CAC 

 

National Children’s Advocacy Center 

Peachtree Sound 

Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention 

 

Follow SRCAC on Facebook and LinkedIn for more learning content!