CHARLESTON, W.Va. — More than 200 people attended an event Monday to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the West Virginia Child Advocacy Network.
The network consists of 20 centers across the state that help and support children who are victims of child abuse.
Emily Chittenden-Laird, executive director of the alliance, said more than 20,000 children have been helped through the group’s efforts.
“If a child is abused, they would have to be interviewed seven, eight, nine different times by different people, which is very traumatic for children,” she said. “The child advocacy center model brings the system to the child for a child-focused response.
“Instead of being interviewed several times, the child is only interviewed once, and then the center connects the child and his or her family to hope and healing services.”
Chittenden-Laird said there is broad support for the network and its work, noting the array of people in attendance of Tuesday’s celebration.
“We have prosecutors, we have law enforcement, folks that are providing therapy for kids,” she said. “We also have donors, supporters and board members.”
That support also comes from the state government; Chittenden-Laird said while multiple budget proposals have been put forward by Gov. Jim Justice, the Senate and House of Delegates, all current plans have level funding cuts for child advocacy centers.
The centers would be supported by a $1.7 million line item.
“I think that’s an incredible testament to the support that we have at the state house,” Chittenden-Laird said.
The celebration also included recognizing the Sisters of the St. Joseph Health and Wellness Foundation; the West Virginia Division of Justice and Community Services; Amy Landers of the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence; and Peggy Rossi, who served as executive director of the REACHH Family Resource Center prior to her death in 2005.