Doors Open for Columbia Child Advocacy Center
The doors will officially open at the Columbia County Child Advocacy Center on Tuesday, May 16th. The Center, located at 946 Columbia St. in Hudson, will have an Open House for community members from 4-6pm.
The Dr. Stephen and Suzanne Menkes Child Advocacy Center is a child-friendly, community-oriented, safe environment where children and their families are offered comprehensive services when an allegation of child abuse has been made.
According to Program Director, Julianne M. Baumann, “It is a place where children can feel safe during child abuse investigations.”
This team consists of law enforcement, child protective services, mental health, medical, prosecution, advocates and other professionals trained to work with child victims and their family members.
National statistics indicate that 1 in every 5 children are sexually abused.
Baumann noted that child victims and their families have a place where they can receive coordinated, comprehensive services. At the CAC, the child tells their story once to a trained interviewer in a way that does not re-traumatize the child.
Baumann added that “the team members work together to help the child and their family members through the process.”
The Child Advocacy Center also provides on-site trauma therapy, medical exams, victim advocacy, crisis counseling, courtroom preparation, education and information for child victims and their non-offending family members.
The Children’s Advocacy Center provides long-term comprehensive services to children and their families.
The Child Advocacy Center is a program of the Mental Health Association of Columbia and Greene counties.
The CAC is approved by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services and accredited by the National Children’s Alliance as meeting the highest standards of care and services.