Monica Ballard, a licensed social worker, says Boone County would benefit from a Child Advocacy Center and is inviting interested community members to a steering committee meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 10 a.m.
Child Advocacy Centers around the nation help other government agencies such as law enforcement officers, child protective service workers and the prosecutor’s office by working with abused children and their families.
Such programs, according to Ballard, are designed by professionals and volunteers who are responding to the needs within their own communities.
Ballard envisions that the Boone County Child Advocacy Center will be a child-friendly environment to meet the needs of children who have been abused, or who are alleged to have been abused.
According to Ballard, child abuse is a community problem. “No single agency, individual or discipline has the necessary knowledge, skills or resources to successfully intervene in child abuse cases and to provide the assistance needed by the children and families involved in these cases.” Ballard states in her missive to community leaders.
It is Ballard’s hope that the combined wisdom and professional knowledge of Boone County child protective services, law enforcement, prosecution, medical, mental health and victim advocacy will result in a more complete understanding of case issues and the most effective system response possible for Boone County children.
For more information, contact Monica Ballard, at 304-369-5283
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