The Child Advocacy Center of Fayetteville serves an important role in our community and is a vital resource for children and their parents or guardians. For those unfamiliar, the Child Advocacy Center supports and advocates for children who have suffered physical and sexual abuse, with the purpose of minimizing the trauma associated with the abuse.
Established in 1993, the Child Advocacy Center filled a gap that was so desperately needed. Up until its inception, child victims of physical and sexual abuse had the daunting task of going from agency to agency, retelling the story of trauma to get the resources they needed. The Child Advocacy Center bridges the gap between victims and resources in the city and county. To say this is important work would be an understatement.
The sensitive, yet important work that the center does, is why it’s essential to have the right person as the Executive Director. On June 10, John Webster officially became the new ED of the Child Advocacy Center of Fayetteville.
Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is John Webster and I became Executive Director of the CAC following my retirement from a 32-year career in state and county government.
I am married to Ginger Webster, and we have two adult children as well as a new son-in-law. I live in Four Oaks, NC (Johnston County) where I am active in community and church events. I currently serve as an elder at my church as well as a Sunday School teacher for the youth/teens at my church. I grew up in Kings Mountain, NC before enrolling in classes at Campbell University where I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in government and secondary education.
Upon graduating I fell into the social work field by accident but loved the work and I have remained in the child welfare arena since that time.
My work experience includes eight years as a CPS investigator with Harnett County DSS, six years as a CPS Supervisor with Wake County Human Services, 15 years as a supervisor with the Guardian Ad Litem with the Administrative Office of the Courts, and then most recently, spent 3.5 years as a Program Manager for Adoptions and Foster Care with Johnston County DSS.
I love spending time with my family, church activities, playing the piano, and working around the yard at our home.
Tell us about your journey to advocacy.
Since getting into the social work arena, my passion for helping kids and families in need has just continued to grow over the years.
I have a deep sense of empathy and concern for those who are hurting and who have been victims of abuse. While in college, I had a close friend from home who disclosed a history of sexual abuse by her grandfather. I saw firsthand the devastating effects that history of abuse had on almost every aspect of life, so that helped to fuel the passion I feel for this work, along with the countless number of kids and families I’ve worked with over the years who were struggling with abuse, addictions, domestic violence, etc.
What led you to the Child Advocacy Center of Fayetteville?
As I was preparing to retire from Johnston County, I knew that I still had the passion and desire to work in child welfare, so I began exploring options that would allow me to do the work I love so much. Fortunately, the CAC was looking for an executive director and I thought it sounded like a role that would mesh well with my skills and interests.
I met and interviewed with the board and I was quite impressed with the CAC, its staff, and its board, so I was fortunate enough to be offered the position and I quickly accepted.
What are your hopes, plans, and mission as the new director?
After having completed over 2 months of work with the CAC, I am continuing to evaluate processes, procedures, and program needs. The work of the CAC continues to grow and expand, so I am committed to helping seek out funding and support for continuing to grow the CAC and its thumbprint in the local community.
My goal is to do what we can do to eliminate abuse and neglect by partnering with other community agencies and initiatives to raise awareness and education about abuse, neglect, human trafficking, etc.
I am so impressed with the CAC staff and their dedication to the work and mission of the CAC! One of my main goals coming in the next year or two is to work with our marketing team as well as our staff and community partners to get the word out to the local community about the daily work of the CAC and our impact on the community!
What do you want the community to know about you and what to expect from the Child Advocacy Center in the future?
We want the community to know that we are here to serve the community, and we want to do everything we can do to eliminate abuse in all of its forms and do everything possible to keep our precious kids safe from harm.
The community needs to know that I am committed to making sure the CAC strives toward excellence in all that we do as we continue to partner with local partners and law enforcement agencies who share our mission.
What do you feel is your greatest mission in life?
As a person of deep faith, I feel it is my calling to reach out to help those who are struggling and to reach out to those who are in need of an encouraging word due to the many struggles that can be associated with day-to-day life! I enjoy my life’s work and I do feel that the work we do at the CAC is life-changing and that, of course, leaves me with a feeling of satisfaction and purpose.
Is there anyone you would like to recognize, supporters, friends, or family?
I would extend a heartfelt thanks to the CAC Board Members for all they do to support the work of the CAC and the little things they do to sustain the morale of our staff. I would also want to give a shout-out to our Multidisciplinary Team members — included on this team are DSS staff, representatives from the DA’s office, Cumberland County Sheriff’s office, Spring Lake Police, Hope Mills Police, Fayetteville Police, and CID, along with Southern Regional AHEC.
In addition, we have such a dedicated group of volunteers who show up when called to fulfill many functions at the CAC – we love our volunteers!

(Photo: John Webster is the new Director of the Child Advocacy Center in Fayetteville. Photo courtesy of the Child Advocacy Center)