MONTGOMERY, Ala.– Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded grants to child advocacy agencies serving Cherokee, Jackson and Calhoun counties as part of nearly $2 million distributed statewide to support the investigation of child abuse cases and services for victims.

“Nothing is more horrendous than a child being robbed of their youth and innocence,” Ivey said. “I am thankful for these agencies and the work they do to restore dignity and hope to those who have been abused.”

The funding is provided through the U.S. Department of Justice and is administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA).

“ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in support of these programs and the tireless, dedicated work of those associated with these agencies,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said.

The agencies receiving grants in the three counties are:

• The Child Advocacy Center of Cherokee County (Centre) — $103,000
  Founded in 1999, the center provides care and comfort to child victims in Cherokee County while gathering information to assist in the prosecution of offenders.

• Jackson County Children’s Advocacy Center Inc. (Scottsboro) — $84,657
  The agency serves Jackson County by offering a safe and supportive environment for children, including forensic interviews, therapy services and advocacy.

• Calhoun/Cleburne Children’s Center Inc. (Anniston) — $95,945
  The center investigates child abuse cases in Calhoun and Cleburne counties while providing counseling and recovery services for victims.

ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, victim services, economic development, water resource management, energy conservation and recreation.