RUSSELL COUNTY CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER INC
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Mission Statement
The mission of the Russell County Child Advocacy Center is to promote multi-agency cooperation for the benefit of the child-victim and non-offending family; to provide support, referrals, advocate for child-sensitive investigation and swift prosecution of offenders; to educate the public regarding the extent of child abuse, promote public awareness, encourage the reporting of such abuse and be a resource to all citizens of Russell County regarding the dynamics and prevention of such abuse.
About This Cause
The Russell County Child Advocacy Center (CAC) has been in existence since 1997. It was developed for the purpose of keeping children in our community safe. We are located at 67 Downing Drive (inside of the Phenix Industrial Park) in Phenix City, Alabama. Our 3,200 square ft. building is located on 3.5 acres and is mid-way between the county and city residents. This allows for convenience and confidentiality to all residents in the community that we serve. The center provides a more comfortable child and family friendly environment. There are 2 separate waiting areas, 1 for those in crisis and/or in for an interview and the other for on-going counseling clients. The center also houses a medical room in order to provide child victims requiring a sexual assault exam to be in a child-friendly and safe environment for the exam to be performed by a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE). The CAC employs 5 full-time and 3 contracted staff. Three programs make up the CAC: Child Advocacy, KEEP and STARS. The Child Advocacy and KEEP Programs are housed at 67 Downing Drive. The KEEP Program is a school-based program (delivered in the schools) but all paperwork and staff work from the CAC building. The STARS program is located at a satellite office located at 1212 7th Avenue. Due to the nature of this program, it is housed separate from victim services. It is also strategically located near the Juvenile Court office located at the Russell County Courthouse. The CAC is managed by an Executive Director and governed by a 14-person Board of Directors. The Executive Director supervises all 3 programs. The Child Advocacy Program employs the full-time Victim Advocate and Therapist. The 2 Prevention Specialists for the KEEP Program also serves as Forensic Interviewers for the Child Advocacy Program. The CAC contracts services with the STARS Therapist and the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. Russell County, Alabama is the 13th highest out of 68 counties with the highest number of allegations of abuse. Most child victims NEVER report the abuse. Locally, approximately 70% of sexual offenders were either a parent, the boy/girlfriend of the biological parent, other known relative, friend of the family or someone the parent(s) know. This program meets the community’s needs of educating children on personal safety. Research demonstrates that children who participate in personal safety programs are more likely to disclose their abuse and less likely to believe that the abuse is their fault. The three-session program that K.E.E.P. follows, ensures children are more likely to retain safety concepts and use self-protection skills. Due to the ever-changing social media changes, it is necessary for students to be educated about internet safety and laws regarding technology. As students advance to the high school level, other issues involving students become more apparent. Therefore, the curriculum for this age-group also provides information regarding the age of consent laws and consequences. Because parents and professionals working with children need skills that will assist them in speaking with their child(ren) about abuse and safety, psycho-education is also available to educators, school personnel, PTO programs, day care providers, parent groups and individuals as requested. The Executive Director continues to research additional funding sources for the program. Grants are researched on a minimum of a quarterly basis and reviewed to assess those funds available for our very unique service. Because the Board of Directors is actively involved in the ongoing fundraising, as well as the governance of the center's programs, the center has been able to add to the diversity of funding sources. With more assistance from the board of directors and volunteers in the areas of fundraising and contributions, the Executive Director is better able to organize and oversee events rather than needing a position for this area. Because of this strength, the center is able to save personnel costs. During the present fiscal year, collaborations with a community business partner and community group will provide the center with additional fundraising opportunities sponsored by the aforementioned with all proceeds benefitting the center. Relationships with community businesses has allowed the center to decrease spending on repairs, etc. to the center; i.e.: a local business allows for their maintenance department to provide services such as AC maintenance, electrical and plumbing as needed throughout the year. These types of in-kind services save the center dollars in spending and therefore improve the financial position of the center. The Director has recently met with the Community Foundation and is utilizing resources provided to gain access to other funding sources that may be applied to throughout the year. With an active and working board of directors and strong community volunteers, the director is better able to actively develop new relationships in the community that can lead to further support, in-kind services, and funding.