HOPE FOR A FUTURE 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

Transcription

1 HOPE FOR A FUTURE 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

2 A LETTER FROM THE BOARD CHAIR Dear Friends, A coordinated response to allegations of child sexual abuse, criminal neglect and physical abuse makes all the difference in our communities. No one wants to free the accused to abuse again nor do any of us want to charge or convict an innocent person. These situations often only happen between two people and are seldom observed by another person. Frequently the only way to determine who did what is to share pertinent information amongst investigators and treatment providers. Years ago, the professions we expected and wanted to protect children, did not do this well. In too many cases children returned to or were left in situations that were harmful to them. Many who worked in the field of child abuse were very frustrated and never more so than when a child s situation was brought forward again. But now professionals work as a team with written protocols that create a framework for investigations and follow-up in each county. And like any good team they respect the other members skills and expertise. They create an environment of trust where they can feel free to present different viewpoints bringing a diverse and better-informed approach to problem solving. Children and their families are served in centers that provide the feeling of a safe place by people well trained to help. Each child and family have an Advocate who helps them navigate the myriad of confusing things that happen after a child discloses abuse. And a child s situation is reviewed by a specially trained team until resolved so no child gets lost in the system as more cases come in. Soon, we hope, every county will have a Children s Advocacy Center. We are well on our way. Sincerely, None of us is HOPE AND HEALING FOR ABUSED CHILDREN Our mission is to promote a collaborative response to child abuse, reach all victims, and reduce trauma by advancing the work and mission of local Children s Advocacy Centers (CAC). Children s Advocacy Centers are safe, child-friendly facilities where children and their families can get the help they need to stop abuse and begin the process of healing. Our multidisciplinary team approach brings together all the professionals and agencies needed to offer comprehensive services; law enforcement, child protective services, prosecution, mental health, medical and victim advocacy. NUMBER OF CHILDREN WHO RECEIVED SERVICES THROUGH A CAC 2,779 3,220 1, ,684 4,000 6,402 NEW 0-6 YEARS 2,121 Medical Exams/treatment on site Medical Exams/treatment off site, referral or ER Counseling/Therapy Referral to Counseling/Therapy Forensic Interviewing Victim Advocacy CHILDREN WERE SERVED AT A WASHINGTON CAC Nancy Foll CACWA Governing Board Chair as smart as all of us. Ken Blanchard 7-12 YEARS 2, YEARS 1,997 UNDISCLOSED 46

3 FACILITATE INVESTIGATIONS With each new case of abuse referred to a CAC, a comprehensive investigation is initiated. With the safety and protection of the child as its highest priority, a highly skilled team including forensic interview specialists, law enforcement, prosecutors, advocates, medical and social workers assess each case with sensitivity and care. TYPES OF ABUSE REPORTED a child may experience/report more than one type of abuse Sexual Abuse 4,124 Physical Abuse 1267 Neglect 279 Witness to Violence % Drug Endangered 133 Child Fatality 9 FELT LIKE THE CENTER HAD DONE EVERYTHING Other 457 IT COULD TO ASSIST THEM AND THEIR CHILD. CASE REVIEW Each month, prosecutors, Child Protective Services, law enforcement, forensic interviewers, mental health providers and victim advocates gather at CACs across the state to review cases using the information gathered by each professional. This review process follows each case through the duration of services. The Center has helped me start to regain my life. I can t thank them enough. MEDICAL & THERAPY SERVICES A medical exam, similar to a pediatricians check-up, may be offered to a child to determine the nature and extent of the abuse. These exams provide the team with valuable information to prosecute the offender and help the child heal. Additionally, each child and their family are offered evidence-based therapy services, proven to be effective in coping with the trauma of sexual and physical abuse. VICTIM ADVOCACY Children s Advocacy Centers stand in the gap for the healing of child abuse victims, focusing on reduced trauma for the child. We educate the public about the signs of abuse and how to stop it. Additionally, we provide resources, support and training for our centers so that each child gets the care they deserve. CACWA offers the following services to our Centers and communities: + + Training and technical assistance + + Mentoring by experienced CAC staff in nearby communities + + Site visits + + Technical assistance manuals and materials + + Information on research and best practices + + Information regarding funding sources for start-up, training, and operations + + Advocacy on legislative issues and policies affecting children and families + + Coordination with statewide, regional, and national advocacy resources

4 CENTER LOCATIONS Washington State currently has 16 nationally accredited centers serving 19 counties, but we are not done. Our vision is that every child in the state will have access to a Children s Advocacy Center. Success of these centers has encouraged other counties and tribes to create CACs which will allow us to help even more children overcome the trauma of abuse and neglect. Accredited Child Advocacy Centers Associate Child Advocacy Centers Developing MDT

5 FY 2017 REVENUE & EXPENDITURES Contracts...1,178,255 Dues, Donations...12,418 Total Revenue... $1,190,673 Salaries & Benefits...128,042 Consulting...66,841 Operations...41,143 Travel & Training...45,092 Contracts with Centers...892,572 Total Expenditures... $1,173, BOARD OF DIRECTORS Nancy Foll, Chair Retired Suzi Fode, Vice Chair Director New Hope Lori Vanderburg, Secretary Executive Director Dawson Place Dawn Cooper, Treasurer DSHS/Children s Administration Veronica Lopez Program Director Skagit County CAC JoDee Garretson Executive Director Kids Haven Carolyn McDougal-Weyrick Linquist Dental Clinic for Children Karen Winston Retired Jessica Johnson Executive Director NW Child & Family Advocacy Center Patrick Woods Workforce Training & Education Coordinationg Board Tambra Donohue Director Monarch Children s Justice Center Patricia A. Mahaulu-Stephen Personal Health Partner Program Tacoma General Hospital/Multicare Health Systems Amy Russell Executive Director Arthur D. Curtis Children s Justice Center 6% Consulting 11% Salaries & Benefits 3% Operations 4% Travel & Training FY 2017 EXPENSES STAFF Randy Ryan Executive Director John Cline Project Manager It s nice to know that there is an agency available to help families get through a traumatic experience, we are so grateful for 76% Contracts with Centers 100% OF CAREGIVERS BELIEVED THAT THEIR CHILDREN FELT SAFE AT THE CENTER. all they have done!

6 WELCOMING, LOVING, SAFE, FRIENDLY, RESPECTFUL, CARING, PEACEFUL, EXCELLENT, A BLESSING... are just a few of the words that describe the amazing staff and team members serving at CAC s throughout the state. They truly believe that the cycle of abuse can end due to their hard work, dedication, collaboration and steadfast belief that hope and healing can be a reality. Both the children we serve and their caregivers say that the staff s kind hearts, listening ears and desire to create a safe and healing place really makes a difference! Interviewer did so much for us. We appreciate her commitment to us and our children and our case. I didn t know that we could get such excellent and fast friendly service. You all are a blessing to our family in such a great way, YOU CAN HELP 1. DONATE Contribute to making a difference in a child s life at 2. ADVOCATE Tell your legislators why you think Children s Advocacy Centers are an important part of the community response to child abuse. CACWA receives state and federal funds to support CACs in Washington. Your voice matters! Find your legislators at 3. JOIN As a CACWA member you will help us establish strong and sustainable centers throughout Washington State. Fill out an application at 4. REPORT Learn about the signs of child abuse and report it immediately. This could mean the difference between life and death for the most vulnerable in our community. If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, or is at risk for abuse or neglect, submit a report to your local Child Protective Services (CPS) office or call SHOP FOR A CAUSE Now you can support CACWA every time you shop at Amazon.com. Just follow these easy steps and you will be on you way to financially supporting CACWA with every Amazon purchase you make! 1. Go to smile.amazon.com. 2. Log into your Amazon account. 3. Search for CACWA in the charity search area near the top of the page. 4. Shop! 100% OF CAREGIVERS BELIEVED THEIR CHILDREN HAD RECEIVED SERVICES THAT HELPED THEM SINCE THEIR FIRST VISIT. more than words could say. You all have given us hope and a future.

7 Protecting Children Reducing Trauma A COORDINATED COMMUNITY RESPONSE TO CHILD ABUSE Children s Advocacy Centers of Washington 3020 Willamette DR NE Lacey, WA