Advocates for Children honor brave kids who report abuse

During National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, Advocates for Children is raising awareness of the dramatic increase in the number of children who are hurt, neglected or sexually abused.

The bitter truth is that most reports are coming directly from the children of Floyd and the 10 other counties they serve.

“Sadly, we have completed 479 forensic interviews in a year, and 80% of those are triggered by the child,” said Rachel Castillo, Advocates’ president and CEO.

She explained that the interviews are a means of gathering information from a victim or witness for use in a legal setting like a court hearing and are critical pieces of the legal process to protect children.

“At our center, we have seen a 25% increase in forensic interviews in just a year.,” she said. “This alarming upsurge may be generated by more children staying at home during the pandemic, a rise in adult addiction, income decreases and other situations that instigate child neglect and abuse.”

Advocates provides a safe environment at their Children’s Advocacy Center in Cartersville where a child can share information with a professionally trained forensic interviewer. The information collected is key to child welfare decisions that can include caseworkers, law enforcement, court systems and others involved in helping secure the safety of children.

“These children who come forward are the voices of courage,” Castillo pointed out. “It’s very difficult and frightening to report an adult, often someone in the family or a family friend.”

She said Advocates is very careful to handle each child with compassion and a plan to keep them from being further abused.

“One of the most difficult things we must do is hear the heartbreaking stories of abuse, yet it’s so much more difficult for the victim,” she said. “We focus on each child and what needs must be met immediately and longer-term. Our team is devoted to walking this journey with every child experiencing trauma and getting the best possible outcome for these precious young victims.”

This month, Advocated is hosting several important events to encourage the prevention of child abuse, including Community Conversations and Dinner on April 21, a workshop called “Keep Your Child Safe” and a Coffee and Conversation opportunity to learn how estate planning can support this meaningful cause. See AdvoChild.org for details and registration.

Additionally, a new program called Together for Families is launching this month and Advocates and will host a ribboncutting on April 20 at their new resource center in Kennesaw for families needing support to keep their families intact.