The Child Advocacy Center of West Central Ohio is helping victims of sexual abuse.
Our guest speaker this week was Chelsea Migura, the Coordinator of the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) of West Central Ohio. The office is based in Lima, OH but serves Allen, Auglaize, Putnam, Hardin, Paulding and Van Wert counties. Lima Rotary Club member Theresa Schnipke sits on the CAC executive board which partners with Crime Victim Services, the Board of DD, Mercy Health, SAFY, the Prosecutor's Office, Lima Memorial Hospital, Children Services and local law enforcement agencies. The mission of the Child Advocacy Center of West Central Ohio is to provide a comprehensive community response to individuals and families affected by sexual abuse. In short, the CAC is the nexus to connect all of the agencies involved in a child sexual assault abuse case. The CAC is a non-profit agency that serves over 120 families per year.
Without the local CAC presence and services, local families (along with the supporting agencies involved) would be referred to Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Currently the CAC is funded by Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) federal grants – a program administered by the Office of the Ohio Attorney General. Six weeks ago it was announced that VOCA funds were being cut by 40% and so the local CAC representatives are reaching out into the community with this important message and for assistance – reaching out to legislators, donations, etc. Chelsea spoke of her mission to prevent the vital work of the CAC from being the best kept little secret in our community.
The CAC is one of ten programs operating under the Crime Victims Services agency in Allen County. Their ultimate goal is to provide an ease for victims and families to connect with her agency and to minimize the investigation impacts on kids affected by abuse. Another important component to their work is conducting forensic interviews so that evidence can be properly used in court. Chelsea noted that the local CAC Clinic is operated within Lima Memorial Hospital.
Chelsea also provided an overview of the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program. Through volunteer advocates, CASA gives a voice to children as a neutral third party, working in the best interest of child. The advocates are involved with home visits and inspections, talking with parents, and dialoging honestly and openly with the child. An important goal of the program is to eliminate the trauma of the child going to court and testifying. The CASA advocate is court appointed as guardian ad litem and is often the one constant person in that child’s life. Jeff Fitzgerald noted the huge shortfall of volunteers per the need for CASA. Chelsea spoke of the ongoing training provided to the volunteer advocates. Advocates come from a variety of backgrounds. Some are retired, some still work, and no special background needed – just a caring heart and a dedicated spirit. For more information, contact them at cac@crimevictimservices.org or by calling 567-940-2272.