Comtrea’s Children’s Advocacy Center of East Central Missouri (CACECM) has had an exciting and successful beginning to their new Prevention Program. The new program is possible through a grant received from the Franklin County Children and Families Community Resource Board.
The grant is made possible through the passing of Proposition 1, Putting Kids First, in Franklin County which created a Children’s Services Fund for children and youths 19 years of age or less in Franklin County. A portion of the grant money is being used to fund a Prevention Specialist position to serve the Franklin County area.
The Prevention Program provides training to multidisciplinary team members and child-focused organizations within Franklin County including Children’s Division, Juvenile Division, Law Enforcement, Prosecuting Attorney’s office and child-focused organizations such as schools, recreation programs, day cares, etc. These organizations are the “front line” staff who deal with the initial disclosure of child abuse.
Training the mandated reporters alongside the MDT members will ensure that when mandated reporters receive information or have concerns about child abuse, they have existing knowledge and relationships with the front line (MDT) staff they should contact and resources available.
Connilee Boehne, executive director, explained that an average of one-in-three girls and one-in-six boys are sexually abused before the age of 18. She further explained that only one-in-three children who are abused will disclose to a trusted adult.
“We need to ensure that, when a child does decide to disclose, that those individuals are properly trained and prepared to handle their disclosure with the least amount of trauma to the child,” Ms. Boehne stated.
The CACECM has begun providing free trainings to many child serving agencies in Franklin County.  Any organization or agency that is interested in receiving training, may contact the CACECM at 573-268-2271.
The CACECM has locations in Sullivan, DeSoto and Farmington.  Services provided by the center include: forensic interviews to children alleging criminal child abuse, education to families regarding the criminal and prosecutorial process, links to appropriate mental health services in the area, court advocacy and support service and on-site multidisciplinary case reviews.
Services provided through the Children’s Advocacy Center are available at no cost to families. The staff depend on grants, donations, and fundraising to pay operational costs and staff salaries.
The CACECM will be hosting the eighth annual CACECM Sweetheart Dinner and Dance on Feb. 27 at the KC Hall in Washington. The evening will begin with cocktails at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. and music by “Alderwood” from 8 p.m.-11:30 p.m.
Other events throughout the night will include raffles, a silent auction as well as a live auction. Special guest emcee this year is Jeff Burton from “The Thom and Jeff Show” on 105.7 The Point. Dave Glover and Tom Terbrock from “The Dave Glover Show” on 97.1 Talk will also be at the event.
To purchase a ticket, become a sponsor, or for more information, please contact the CACECM at 573-468-2271.