West Alabama Childrens Advocacy Center

Video testimony - child abuse victims are interviewed on videotape in a casual environment to reduce the stress associated with multiple interviews. During the 12 month grant period ended september 30, 2022, we served a total of 79 victims. Of the victims served, 37 received therapy services, and 54 received crimal justice support via video forensic interviews/testimony. Of the victims served, 70 were due to sexual abuse, 7 were due to physical abuse and 2 were due to other types of abuse.

Community programs - age appropriate child safety education is normally provided each year to approximately 300-500 k-3rd grade school children in our area using our puppet show and other presentations.

On-site counseling - child victims and their non-offending family members are provided counseling services at the West Alabama children'Childrens's Advocacy Center, and refered to off-site counselors as requested. Our counseling service provided 269 sessions to victims of abuse and non-offending family members. Most counseling sessions have started within 10 days of the referral. Counseling and forensic interviews are performed at all locations by appointment. The staff moves between locations as needed. Administrative functions are handled at the lamar county Center to reduce overall cost.