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Child Abuse
The CAC's main purpose is to facilitate a team approach to child sexual abuse in Summers County. When children are identified as possible victims of abuse and reports are made to law enforcements, the CAC is contacted to initiate a team response. This team involves law enforcement, child protection professionals, prosecutors, victim advocates and mental and medical health professionals, known as Multi-Disciplinary Investigative Team (MDIT). A child may receive ONE forensic interview at the CAC where it will be observed by the team and allows the child to only have to tell their story once in a child-friendly environment.
What Is A Child Advocacy Center (CAC)?
The Child Advocacy Center offers a compassionate, team approach to the prevention, identification, investigation, prosecution, and treatment of child abuse and neglect.
REACHH- Child Advocacy services include:
- Forensic interviews
-Family support and advocacy
- Therapeutic intervention and counseling
- Referral to a medical provider
- Case tracking and case review
- Information and referrals
- Community education and awareness
SIGNS OF CHILD ABUSE
•Changes in behavior, sleeping, and eating
•Returning to earlier behaviors
•Fear of going home
•Unexplained injuries
•Changes in school performance & attendance
•Lack of personal care or hygiene
•Risk taking behavior
•Inappropriate sexual behaviors
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
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Calling the 24-hour West Virginia Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-352-6513. (Anonymous report)
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Contacting the CAC at (304) 466-2226
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Financial contributions, material support (snacks, toys, games, etc.)
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Honorary gifts and memorials through an estate plan, and volunteers. All donations are tax-deductible.
Meet our staff:

Felisha Hartwell, MSW
Executive Director
FRN Director,
Forensic Interviewer

Josie McNeely
Child Advocacy Center Director
Forensic Interviewer

Trista Jones
Family Advocate
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