“No child should ever be subject to abuse, but when those horrible crimes do occur, there is professional, caring assistance available,” Ivey said. “I commend the staff of the Tri-County Child Advocacy Center for the vital work they do in helping children in their recovery.”

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Justice.

“ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in support of the Tri-County Children’s Advocacy Center for the important role they play in helping children recover from the trauma of abuse,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said.

Along with grant funding, the center relies on local, private donations to ensure that free services remain available year-round.

Ivey notified Julia Ann Hyde, the center’s board president, that the grant had been approved.

ADECA manages a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, water resource management, energy conservation and recreation development.