About Us

In the mid-1980’s, the concept of the child advocacy center was developed under the leadership of then District Attorney Robert “Bud” Cramer in Madison County, Alabama.  It was based upon the model of a child-focused, community base program in which representatives from many disciplines— law enforcement, child protection, prosecution, mental health, medical and family and victim advocacy— work together conducting joint forensic interviews and making team decisions about the investigation, treatment, management and prosecution of child abuse cases.

 

Coordination and cooperation with other local agencies is foremost in implementing a multi-disciplinary approach to all investigations.  The Morgan County Child Advocacy Center works closely with the District Attorney, Decatur Police, Department of Human Resources, Hartselle Police, and the Morgan County Sheriffs’ Department to coordinate child abuse investigations and ensure the safety of children.

 

 

The Morgan County Child Advocacy Center was incorporated in March 2003 and a planning committee was established for the purpose of developing the program.  Through funding from the U.S. Congress and local community support, the Center opened its doors to children in August 2006.

 

The scars of child abuse, both physical and sexual, go beyond the outward signs of abuse.  The emotional trauma can, if not properly addressed, last a lifetime.  The Child Advocacy Center reduces the stress on the child victim by providing a familiar setting where the child is interviewed by child protective service workers and observed by law enforcement investigators.  Interviews are recorded so that the child does not have to be re-interviewed by other agencies involved with the child and family.  The Child Advocacy Center can refer the child for medical treatment, if needed as well as mental health counseling.  Non-offending parents and caregivers receive support and crisis counseling as well as referral information.

 

The Morgan County Child Advocacy Center is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) service provider. It is currently funded through grants from the U.S. Congress Appropriations Committee, Boeing Community Employees Fund, Combined Federal Campaign, and the Alabama Department of Economic Affairs.  The Center has also received tremendous support from individuals and community groups from throughout Morgan County.