MONTGOMERY— Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded a $113,540 grant to assist children in St. Clair County who are victims of physical and sexual abuse.

The grant will enable the St. Clair Children’s Advocacy Center to help children recover from abuse while assisting authorities in prosecuting abusers.

“Children should grow up in healthy and happy homes, but unfortunately that is not always the case,” Ivey said. “By providing a safe and protective environment, the Children’s Advocacy Center is helping children who have been abused or who have witnessed abuse to take important steps to recovery.”

Established in 2000, the non-profit center ensures children receive adequate medical care and counseling. By keeping investigative interviews to a minimum, the center helps children avoid the trauma that can occur when telling investigators about the details of the abuse multiple times. The organization also employs advocates who assist victims and their families during the investigations.

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

“ADECA stands with Gov. Ivey in supporting organizations that help children overcome the trauma of abuse,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “This grant will ensure that young victims in St. Clair County have access to the specialized assistance they need during a very difficult time.”

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

Ivey notified William Hardwick, president of St. Clair Children’s Advocacy Center, that the grant had been approved.

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Contact Jim Plott or Mike Presley