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ADECA

August 25, 2016
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Bentley grant to aid young victims in Covington County
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MONTGOMERY— Gov. Robert Bentley has awarded a $76,000 grant to the Covington County Child Advocacy Center to provide specialized services for child abuse victims.

Grant funds will help the center continue providing specialized investigative interviews for young victims, advocacy and counseling to children and affected family members. All services are provided in a child-friendly environment with the goal of minimizing the number of times the child has to talk about details of the abuse.  

“Child victims need aid and advocacy specifically suited to their needs and emotional state,” Bentley said. “The Covington County Child Advocacy Center is helping to do just that for those who often can’t fully understand or articulate what has happened to them. I commend the work of the staff and volunteers.”

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Justice. ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, infrastructure upgrades, recreation, energy conservation, water resource management, job training and career development.

“The partnership we have with the Covington County Child Advocacy Center and all child advocacy centers in the state is helping to ensure that young victims receive adequate care and that future abuse is prevented,” ADECA Director Jim Byard Jr. said.

Bentley notified Walt Merrell, chairman of the center’s board, that the grant had been approved. Matching funds of $19,000 are supplementing the grant.

In addition to grants, the center depends on private donations to ensure a full range of services is available to victims.

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Contact: Russell Sellers, Mike Presley


For more information, visit:  http://www.adeca.alabama.gov/