DCAC’s Internship Program thrives on the passion, dedication, and eagerness to learn demonstrated by graduate and undergraduate students from across the Denver metro area. These talented individuals play a vital role in driving our mission forward, contributing fresh perspectives and enthusiasm to our work. In return, we provide interns with meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities that directly align with their career goals. Through personalized mentorship, real-world experience, and exposure to professional challenges, we empower students to build essential skills, enhance their resumes, and set a strong foundation for their future careers.
Our mission is to prevent abuse, strengthen families, and restore childhood. We have three primary programs at DCAC working towards our mission. Each program at DCAC has different internship opportunities. Please see below for the description of the programs at DCAC and the internship opportunities that align.
Community Outreach and Prevention (accepting interns to begin Fall 2025)
The Community Outreach and Prevention team at DCAC is responsible for the Denver Safe From the Start program. A bilingual school-centered prevention program for children ages three to ten. We use a curriculum from the nationally renowned Committee for Children, especially designed for the prevention of childhood sexual abuse. Safe from the Start offers a curriculum to grades ECE-5th. The program consists of 5-6 lessons that are 20 – 25 minutes long. We also teach the lessons in Spanish and we provide training to school staff and caregivers on safety, prevention, and child abuse.
Safe from the Start has been presented in Denver Public Schools for the over 15 years, where it was approved by both The Health Program and Research Review Committee. The program also meets the requirements for Erin’s Law, which states that public schools in each state must implement a prevention-orientated child sexual abuse program.
Rapid Response (currently accepting interns to begin in May (Summer) or August (Fall))
The Rapid Response Team plays a critical role as part of a multidisciplinary group of first responders addressing reports of child abuse and neglect in Denver County. This collaborative effort involves daily communication and coordination with key partners, including the Denver Police Department, the Denver District Attorney’s Office, Denver Human Services, and Denver Health. The team conducts forensic interviews that are pivotal to the investigation and prosecution of crimes against children, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the legal process. In addition, they provide family advocacy services, offering essential support, resources, and guidance to families as they navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system during an incredibly challenging time.
Treatment and Assessment (accepting applications for bilingual (English/Spanish) interns to begin Fall 2025)
The Treatment and Assessment Team at DCAC uses a trauma-informed, evidence-based approach to mental health care for child trauma victims and their non-offending family members. We provide short term treatment with the goal of alleviating symptoms related to traumatic experiences for children ages 3-17. All our Child and Family Therapists are master’s level prepared therapists, either with licensure or supervised by licensed clinical supervisors and approximately half of our clinicians are bilingual in English and Spanish.
Interested in applying for an internship? Please complete this form to help us learn more about you and your internship needs!
Internship Partners – DCAC is proud to partner with:
- Metropolitan State University of Denver
- Regis University
- University of Denver
- University of Northern Colorado
- University of Colorado, Denver
Intern Spotlight – Coming soon!