" The Children's Advocacy Center opened it's doors on Jun 1, 2001 to provide services to children in Erie County who have made allegations of sexual or physical abuse. Referrals to the CAC primarily come from the Office of Children and Youth and from the police. Children are interviewed at the Center in a child-friendly environment. "
Many parties are involved when a child reports abuse. The CAC provides a child-friendly, central location for interviews and counselling to take place. This eases the trauma on the children, and their families, as investigations and healing begin.
We have been in touch with one of the board members to find out the needs for the center and the children they are servicing. The first response was stuffed animals with the tags still attached. After the interviews are conducted the children are then allowed to pick out a new buddy to take home with them. As little as this might sound to you or I, for some of these children this is the only thing they might have. This stands especially true if they are coming from OCY and have just entered the foster care system. This buddy can help provide comfort during a pretty stressful time.
So, friends, that is our next mission. We are asking for your help in stocking The CAC with new stuffed animals, tags still attached, to give to the children visiting their offices.
We will soon be announcing drop off dates and locations, but as always you can contact us personally and we will come pick up the buddies from you. Just remember that they have to be new with tags still attached or The CAC will not be able to accept them. Thanks in advance as we get Project #6 underway.
Lisa and Clarissa
