MONTGOMERY— A grant awarded by Gov. Robert Bentley will help a nonprofit center assist child abuse victims in Morgan County from the time an abuse is reported until the criminal justice process is complete.

The Morgan County Child Advocacy Center will use the $56,250 grant to continue providing investigative interviews, therapy and advocacy services to victims and their families.

The center works with local law enforcement agencies and the district attorney’s office so that victims can avoid the trauma of having to retell the stories of their abuse multiple times. The center provides a child-friendly atmosphere where young victims recount the events of the crime just once. Free professional therapy programs are provided to help victims begin recovery.

The center started the family advocate program in 2007 as a way to support and stay in touch with family members who bring their children to the center for investigative interviews. During the victims’ initial interview, a family advocate meets separately with families to provide information about the investigative process and answer questions. The advocate maintains contact with victims’ families throughout the investigation and helps prepare victims and their families for court appearances.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available by the U.S. Justice Department. Matching funds of $14,063 are supplementing the award.

Bentley informed Scott Anderson, chairman of the center’s board of directors, that he had approved the grant.

In addition to grant funds, the nonprofit organization depends on private donations to fund staff salaries and cover operating expenses.

Contact: Mike Presley, Larry Childers