Gov. Ivey awards grants to support agencies that serve child abuse victims in 14 counties

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – Governor Ivey Awards $1.18 Million in Grants to Agencies Supporting Children

Governor Ivey announced on Tuesday that she has awarded $1.18 million in grants to eight agencies in north central Alabama. These agencies provide vital services to children who are victims of abuse and neglect in 14 counties. The grants aim to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by addressing the well-being and protection of children.

Supporting Child Abuse Victims and Their Families

Governor Ivey emphasized the importance of professional and compassionate assistance for children who have suffered from abuse. She commended the advocacy centers for their efforts in helping victims and their families recover, assisting law enforcement with investigations, and educating the public about child abuse prevention.

Grant Recipients

1. Walker County Children’s Advocacy Center: The center has received a grant of $187,303. The funds will be used to offer services such as counseling and forensic interviews of victims in a child-friendly environment.

2. West Alabama Children’s Advocacy Center: This center has been awarded $71,786 to support its facilities that aid victims in Fayette, Lamar, and Pickens counties.

3. Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center Inc.: With a grant of $241,761, this center aims to meet the growing need for services in the county.

4. Blount County Children’s Advocacy Center Inc.: The center has received $45,044 to assist victims and strengthen families within the county.

5. Calhoun/Cleburne Children’s Center Inc.: A grant of $112,217 has been awarded to provide various services to victims and their families in Calhoun and Cleburne counties.

6. St. Clair Children’s Advocacy Center: This center has received $56,109 to continue offering services, including advocates to assist victims with navigating the criminal justice system and filing compensation claims.

7. The Tuscaloosa Children’s Center: The center will utilize its $127,069 grant for services such as parenting classes and counseling sessions for victims in Greene, Hale, Sumter, and Tuscaloosa counties.

8. Bessemer Cut-Off Advocacy Center Inc.: With a grant of $129,544, this center aims to fund its intervention and treatment program for victims in the cities of Bessemer, Brighton, Fairfield, Hueytown, Hoover, Lipscomb, Midfield, and Pleasant Grove.

9. Prescott House Child Advocacy Center: The center has received $208,756 to serve victims of sexual abuse and exploitation, severe physical abuse, and human trafficking in Jefferson County.

Administering the Grants

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) is responsible for administering these grants. The funds are provided by the U.S. Department of Justice. ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell expressed the importance of these centers in supporting child abuse victims and their families during their time of greatest need. ADECA joins Governor Ivey in supporting these agencies in their mission to assist victims and achieve the SDGs.

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