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| Child Advocacy Center in Lowville Offers Specialized Resources for Victims of Child Abuse By: Nick Altmire (nick@linkinglewiscounty.com) 04/30/17 12:30pm |
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house on Tuesday, welcoming members of the public in to learn more about the services it offers. The center, located at 7550 S. State St. in the Lowville Commons building, opened in December and is run by the Victims Assistance Center of Jefferson County. Since its opening, the center has assisted approximately 25 victims and based on historical data expects to handle around 60 cases each year. I had a chance to sit down with Executive Director Jill Parker and Program Coordinator Amy Quonce to discuss some of the services the center offers. The center is used on an as needed basis, the pair said, with appointments scheduled via phone. The staff can help with walking individuals through the steps in reporting any child abuse concerns, while also providing families with resources through the period following the filing of a report. A multidisciplinary team is used to offer high-quality specialized services for abused children and their families, working with police officers, case workers, prosecutors and advocates, as well as medical and mental health professionals. Addressing the physical, emotional and legal dimensions of abuse is critical to helping children who experience the abuse. The Child Advocacy Center can offer a coordinated response from professionals, who are experts in their fields, to help reduce stress through the investigation and intervention process. The center is designed to offer a more relaxed environment for children during the process of conducting interviews and working through dispositions. Prior to the opening of the center, this process usually took place at a police station or district attorney's office, which can be intimidating to children. The services the program provides to families are free and funded through grants through the State Office of Children and Family Services. For more information or to reach the Child Advocacy Center, you can call 315-874-4500. |
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Child Advocacy Center Program Director Amy Quonce (L) and Executive
Director Jill Parker (R)
Director Jill Parker (R)
