Family Advocate Program

 

 

 

 

 

Stephanie McGrew is a native of Morgan County, Alabama.   She received her BSW from the University of Alabama in May of 2006.  Stephanie is excited about her role as that of Family Advocate, and she is certain that her presence here has been a tremendous benefit to the families served by the Morgan County Child Advocacy Center. 

Stephanie McGrew

Hours:           Mondays—Fridays

                      8:00am– 4:30pm

Email:             smcgrew@morgancountycac.org

Phone:            (256) 355-1908 ext. 13

 

Cheryl Coleman

Hours:           Tuesdays and Thursdays

                      8:00am– 4:30pm

Email:             ccoleman@morgancountycac.org

Phone:            (256) 355-1908 ext. 12

 

Born and raised in Dallas, TX, Cheryl is presently

working on her MSW from Alabama A&M University.  She

will be graduating in May 2007, after which she will be attending graduate school to earn her MSW.  Cheryl’s previous undergraduate field internships have led her to work with Big Brother Big Sister of North Alabama and Madison County Department of Human Resources.   Cheryl thoroughly enjoys her role as one of the Family Advocate Interns at the Morgan County Child Advocacy Center and is confident in the fact that the experience she has gained will aid in her development as a social worker.

“When you help the Family, you help the Child.”

 

           This concept, born out of a desire to provide emotional support to the non-offending caregivers of sexually abused children, is the foundation of the Family Advocate program.  The Family Advocate program was created in 1995 in Huntsville, Alabama.  Since its inception, the program has helped hundreds of families. 

           The focus of the Family Advocate program is to acknowledge the needs of non-offending parents and caregivers.  The goal of the program is to assist the caregiver with his or her feelings while remaining focused on the needs of his or her child.  A family advocate is available to work with caregivers from the time of the first interview at the Center until the offender goes to trial*.  Support and education are provided in a variety of ways to the non-offending parent or caregiver. To assist them, the Family Advocate may refer them to agencies within the community for temporary financial assistance, counseling, job training, medical assistance, transportation, and childcare.  In many cases, caregivers just need someone to listen to them since they are reluctant to share their feelings with others who may not understand.  The Family Advocate is sensitive to their feelings and is willing to provide the support needed.  Feel free to contact your Family Advocate with any questions or concerns you may have.

 

*Scheduling of trial cases is based upon the determination of the District Attorney.