MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded 11 grants totaling nearly $2 million to agencies that investigate child abuse cases and help victims overcome the trauma of abuse.
“Nothing is more horrendous than a child being robbed of their youth and innocence,” Gov. 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 funds for the awards were made available to the state through the U.S. Department of Justice. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the funding.
“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.
ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, victim services, economic development, water resource management, energy conservation and recreation.
The agencies awarded grants are:
Cramer Children’s Center (Florence) – $345,790
The agency serves more than 400 children annually who have experienced or witnessed abuse in Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale and Lawrence counties.
National Children’s Advocacy Center (Huntsville) – $439,442
Serving DeKalb, Jackson, Madison, Marshall and Morgan counties, the agency provides child victims with needed services while advocating and educating the public about child abuse. Founded in 1985, the center was the first of its kind in the United States.
Jackson County Children’s Advocacy Center Inc. (Scottsboro)- $84,657
The agency serves Jackson County by offering a safe and supportive environment for children. Forensic interviews, therapy services and advocacy are also provided.
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 obtaining information to help prosecute offenders.
The Child Advocacy Center of Cullman County Inc. (Cullman) – $172,310
Serving Cullman County, the agency provides multiple services for child victims enabling them to heal while also assisting in the investigation and prosecution of offenders.
James M. Barrie Center for Children Inc. (Gadsden) – $191,185
Serving Etowah County since 2002, the center provides a comforting environment for child-abuse victims, and a multi-diverse team offers medical and therapy services and investigative and legal services.
Calhoun/Cleburne Children’s Center Inc. (Anniston) – $95,945
The multidisciplinary team investigates and helps prosecute child abuse cases in Calhoun and Cleburne counties. Victims receive counseling and other recovery assistance.
Prescott House Child Advocacy Center (Birmingham) – $171,315
The center provides emotional support and safety services along with other assistance to victims in Birmingham and Jefferson County.
Bessemer Cut-Off Child Advocacy Center Inc. (Bessemer) – $110,759
The nonprofit agency provides support, advocacy and court accompaniment for victims in west Jefferson County.
Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center Inc. (Columbiana) – $180,276
The center provides advocacy, counseling, family support and education in Shelby County and pursues justice for victims.
The Tuscaloosa Children’s Center – (Tuscaloosa) – $86,916
The agency, consisting of a multidisciplinary team, provides services to help victims and their non-offending family members in Tuscaloosa County heal while gathering evidence to convict offenders.
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