The Children’s Advocacy Center of Cherokee County Celebrates 25 Years of Service
The Children’s Advocacy Center of Cherokee County (CAC) is marking a significant milestone as it celebrates 25 years of dedicated service to child abuse victims. Since opening its doors on September 1, 1999, the CAC has been a beacon of hope and support for thousands of children and their families, providing vital services and fostering community support.
The Children’s Advocacy Center provides a safe and supportive environment for conducting forensic interviews. These interviews are carefully designed to gather information from children in a manner that is sensitive to their emotional and psychological needs. Interviewers are trained to use techniques that are developmentally appropriate and legally sound, helping to elicit accurate information while minimizing stress for the child.
The Children’s Advocacy Center offers or connects children and their families with mental health services to help them cope with the emotional impact of abuse. Support is also offered to non-offending caregivers to help them understand and navigate the process, and to provide guidance on supporting their child. Victim advocates assist families by providing information, support, and resources to help them during the investigation and beyond.
Professionals from various disciplines, including law enforcement, DHR and the District Attorney’s Office work collaboratively to address all aspects of a child abuse case. By coordinating efforts, the CAC ensures that investigations and interventions are handled efficiently and with minimal additional trauma to the child.
Over the next year, the CAC will take time to reflect on its achievements, including its growth, the unwavering support from the community, and the courageous voices of the many child abuse victims who have sought help. This period of reflection will not only honor past accomplishments but also set the stage for an ambitious future.
The CAC is committed to continuing its mission with a focus on strengthening and expanding its services. This includes a forward-looking strategy to ensure that it remains at the forefront of providing critical support to child abuse victims and their non-offending caregivers. By building on its 25 years of experience, the CAC aims to enhance its impact and reach even more families in need.
A cornerstone of the CAC’s efforts is its child abuse prevention program, which has been a key part of its mission since 1989. Through a cooperative agreement with the Cherokee County school system, the CAC will continue to deliver age-appropriate child sexual abuse prevention education in compliance with Alabama’s Erin’s Law. This law mandates that all public schools provide such education to help protect children from abuse.
Each year, the CAC’s school-based prevention programs play a crucial role in empowering children to come forward and report abuse. These programs are instrumental in giving children the tools and courage they need to speak out, making a profound difference in their lives and the lives of their families.
The CAC will continue to offer comprehensive training for local educators, ensuring they are well-informed about their responsibilities under mandatory reporting laws. This training emphasizes the importance of recognizing signs of abuse and understanding the steps required to report suspected abuse effectively.
The CAC is also dedicated to increasing awareness within the broader community. By providing educational programs and resources, the CAC aims to empower individuals to identify and report child abuse, contributing to a safer environment for all children.
These educational initiatives are vital for ensuring that all community members understand their role in protecting children and are equipped with the knowledge to act on their concerns. The CAC’s programs are designed to foster a collaborative approach to child protection, involving educators, parents, and community members in a united effort to prevent and address abuse.
The Children’s Advocacy Center of Cherokee County remains dedicated to its mission and looks forward to building on its legacy of service. With a focus on reflection, growth, and future planning, the CAC is poised to continue making a significant impact in the lives of those it serves.
For more information about the CAC’s programs, or how to get involved, please visit www.cherokeecountycac.org or contact Lori Harris, Executive Director at cherokeecac@tds.net.
Media Contact:
Lori Harris
Executive Director
The Children’s Advocacy Center of Cherokee County
256-927-2111
llumsdencac@tds.net
www.cherokeecountycac.org