NCA awards over $10M for development and implementation of multi-disciplinary approach to child abuse

Awarded funds will support Child Advocacy Centers and Multi-Disciplinary Teams around the country

On January 13th, 2010, National Children's Alliance (NCA), under agreement with the United States Department of Justice Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), announced grant awards over $10 million distributed among 539 Child Advocacy Centers and Multi-Disciplinary Teams across the country.

The objective of the funding is to further the development and implementation of children's advocacy centers and their multi-disciplinary approach to child abuse investigations, prosecution, and treatment. The multidisciplinary approach is a child-focused method in which representatives from many disciplines, including law enforcement, child protection, prosecution, mental health, medical and victim advocacy, work together to conduct interviews and make team decisions about the investigation, treatment, management and prosecution of child abuse cases.

"During a time of state budget cuts in child protective service and rising child abuse cases, we are thrilled to be able to provide critical resources to many child advocacy centers around the country committed to the intervention and prevention of child abuse," remarked Teresa Huizar, Executive Director of National Children's Alliance. "The application process for receipt of these funds was extremely competitive, and each grant recipient presented their individual case for support in a compelling fashion, outlining detailed plans for assisting child victims of abuse. We look forward to witnessing the positive impact these dollars will have on the lives of vulnerable children nationwide."

The granted funds were allocated in the following areas:

• Program Development and Expansion - $1,050,000 to 38 organizations in 24 different states
• Program Improvement - $1,200,000 to 27 organizations in 17 different states
• Urban Initiatives - $200,000 to two organizations from different states
• Washington, D.C. Specific Initiatives received $14,470
• Chapter and Tribal Development - $150,000 to three organizations in three different states
• General Chapter Support - $7,495,000 went to State Chapter organizations to support hundreds of Child Advocacy Centers and Multi-Disciplinary Teams in nearly every U.S. state

SOURCE National Children's Alliance