Better Laws, Child Abuse, Parenting, StopChildAbuse

NC Child Advocacy Center Planned

12 Comments
.jpg photo of Officials planning Advocacy Center
NC Child Advocacy Center Planned

Child Advocacy Center Planned To Assist Victims Of Abuse

ASHEVILLE, NC  –  More than a dozen officials came together Tuesday to commit to opening a Child Advocacy Center in Buncombe County. From law-enforcement to representatives from social services and Mission Health, the community pledged to join forces to better support victims of child abuse and prosecute more offenders.

The new, multi-sector approach will allow officials to collect competent and credible evidence, increase convictions and create more positive outcomes for children, said Todd Williams, Buncombe County District Attorney.

“In the DA’s office our focus is to prosecute abusers of children and if we can do that more efficiently and speed the recovery of children and reduce their trauma, that’s what we’re going to do,” he added.

Before the New Year, local nonprofit Child Abuse Prevention Services plans join staff at Mission Children’s Hospital Reuter Outpatient Center to form the Child Advocacy Center. The project, which is integrated into plans to open a Family Justice Center downtown, will quadruple Child Abuse Prevention Services budget to more than $1 million.

“It’s really us doing business very differently, and approaching how we deal with abuse and trauma in this county differently,” said Geoff Sidoli, the new executive director of Child Abuse Prevention Services.

“Being able to know each discipline more intimately, I think will make us each more able to do our jobs.”

The collaboration among groups will keep the focus on the child, while having better outcomes in the criminal justice system and improving the sharing of information, said Dr. Cynthia Brown, a specialist in pediatric child safety at Mission Children’s Hospital.

Young children tell stories differently than adults and it requires a certain expertise to gather information and reduce trauma, she said.

With different groups working together, interviewers at the Child Advocacy Center will be able to approach victims with a cross discipline perspective, limiting the number times a child has to respond to questioning and improving the quality of evidence collected.

“Child abuse is complicated and we always want to get it right,” said Brown.  “We will be working together in new and better ways and I’m so excited to be a part of this.”

12 thoughts on “NC Child Advocacy Center Planned”

    1. Jennifer, Thank You so very much, I am Honored and yet deeply Humbled to the point where all I can do is sit and stare at your words.
      The last 1 year and 1 month haven’t been easy, you see I have something that makes this very hard to even think about day after day…. I have a photographic memory to some extent.
      I can’t help but say that I feel very proud with your nomination of NOT IN MY WORLD!!!!, the reason for this is I feel even more empowered, and if not for my internet, I would go to the nearest crowded street-corner and spread the word of Raashanai, Scotty, and Alexandra, and too many more in between.
      Because there is no way I would not spread the word, of what has happened, and what is happening, to Our Children, who are the future of this world.
      Sincerely,
      Robert

    2. Jennifer, maybe I wasn’t clear, so let me say that there is no way I would NOT accept the LIEBSTER AWARD for NOT IN MY WORLD!!!!, so YES WE ACCEPT YOUR NOMINATION, for all the Children of this world, who are the furture of this world.

      1. So sorry for the late response. I have had some tough things thrown my way health wise I’m processing. I am happy you accepted and your blog deserves more awards!

      2. Jen, we have been so worried about you, and you know you can call anytime.
        I had an issue, and am working through it as fast as possible.
        Also, there has been an unforseen change, and we are considering Our options carefully.
        Jennifer, I agree, for Our Children, and it is for this reason that I am seriously considering having NOT IN MY WORLD!!!! at this atheist demonstration.
        Oh, I just used the questions that was for you, to complete the requirements for the Liebster Award, is that OK????
        Robert

    1. Kally, Thank You for your visit!!!!
      I appreciate your comment, and I hope you know how much your input is valued.
      But what makes me the happiest is that you have a caring heart for Our Children!!!!
      Thank You Kally, you have a Heart Of Gold!!!!
      Robert

      1. And you, Robert is a hero by advocating the rights from the wrongs and spreading awareness around you! Don’t ever give up!!!

      2. Kally, you are the heroe, I am simply the messenger.
        Kally, you are invaluable, in fact,
        You are a Blessing, your words stir something within me, and help me flow with the energy instead of fighting against it.
        Robert

Comments are closed.