MONTGOMERY – Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded $1.18 million in grants to eight agencies that provide vital services to children who are victims of abuse and neglect in 14 counties in north central Alabama.
“The children of this state who have suffered from abuse deserve professional and compassionate assistance in a timely manner,” Gov. Ivey said. “I commend these advocacy centers for helping victims and their families recover, assisting law enforcement with investigations and educating the public about child abuse prevention.”
The following agencies have received grants:
Walker County Children’s Advocacy Center will use its $187,303 grant to offer services including counseling and forensic interviews of victims in a child-friendly environment.
West Alabama Children’s Advocacy Center has received $71,786 to help fund its facilities that aid victims in Fayette, Lamar and Pickens counties.
Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center Inc. will use its $241,761 grant to meet a growing need for services in the county.
Blount County Children’s Advocacy Center Inc. has received $45,044 to assist victims and strengthen families within the county.
Calhoun/Cleburne Children’s Center Inc. has received $112,217 to provide a variety of services to victims and their families in Calhoun and Cleburne counties.
St. Clair Children’s Advocacy Center has received $56,109 to continue offering services including advocates to assist victims with navigating the criminal justice system and with filing compensation claims.
The Tuscaloosa Children’s Center will use its $127,069 grant for services including parenting classes and counseling sessions for victims in Greene, Hale, Sumter and Tuscaloosa counties.
Bessemer Cut-Off Advocacy Center Inc. has received $129,544 to fund its intervention and treatment program for victims in the cities of Bessemer, Brighton, Fairfield, Hueytown, Hoover, Lipscomb, Midfield and Pleasant Grove.
Prescott House Child Advocacy Center has received $208,756 to serve victims of sexual abuse and exploitation, severe physical abuse and human trafficking in Jefferson County.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering these grants from funds provided by the U.S. Department of Justice.
“It is essential to the well-being of child abuse victims and their families that these centers continue to serve their communities,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in supporting these agencies in their mission to assist victims in their time of greatest need.”
ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, victim programs, economic development, water resource management, energy conservation and recreation.
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