MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WDNews) — Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded $1.27 million in grants to eight organizations dedicated to assisting child abuse victims in 20 Alabama counties.
The grants will fund services for children affected by abuse, neglect, sexual exploitation, child pornography, bullying, and even teen dating violence. These organizations also provide care for children who are victims of homicide-related trauma. Services include personal advocacy, emotional support, safety planning, and assistance with compensation claims.
Gov. Ivey emphasized the importance of these efforts, stating, “Children are our most precious resource, and it is crucial we ensure those who have been victimized receive support and help with healing.”
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) is managing the grant funds, which were provided by the U.S. Department of Justice. ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell highlighted the significance of the funding, noting it ensures child victims have access to compassionate care and professional resources.
The organizations receiving grants and the counties they serve include:
•Calhoun/Cleburne Children’s Center Inc.: $106,606 (Calhoun, Cleburne)
•The Tuscaloosa Children’s Center: $96,573 (Greene, Hale, Sumter, Tuscaloosa)
•Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center Inc.: $200,307 (Shelby)
•West Alabama Children’s Advocacy Center: $68,197 (Fayette, Lamar, Pickens)
•Cramer Children’s Center: $384,211 (Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Lawrence)
•Pike Regional Child Advocacy Center: $89,360 (Barbour, Bullock, Coffee, Pike)
•Walker County Children’s Advocacy Center: $177,938 (Walker)
•Morgan County Child Advocacy Center: $147,474 (Morgan)
These grants will strengthen the support network for children during some of the most challenging times of their lives, ensuring they have access to the care they need to recover.
