(Columbus, OH) – The Center for Family Safety and Healing and the Ohio Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers (ONCAC) hosted an open house today at The Center for Family Safety and Healing at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Ohio legislators in attendance included Rep. C. Allison Russo, Rep. Mary Lightbody and Rep. Latyna Humphrey.
Today’s visit provided The Center for Family Safety and Healing an opportunity to collaborate with ONCAC on raising awareness about the important role of Children’s Advocacy Centers across the state, and to educate local legislators on specific child advocacy services offered.
At The Center for Family Safety and Healing, a child and their family can receive medical assistance and intervention following abuse, talk to a sensitive and trauma-informed professional provider about their traumatic experiences, receive information on what to expect in the court process, and receive ongoing support as they navigate the aftermath of their trauma. The Center for Family Safety and Healing also provides information and support to surrounding communities, going into schools and other settings to provide information on abuse prevention and resources on how to recognize signs of abuse and trafficking and intervene appropriately.
In recent years the scope of child abuse and trafficking, including the extent that it impacts families and children nationwide, has been brought to light by increased media attention. This problem can be intimidating, or even frightening, and many may feel powerless on how to help area children.
The members of the ONCAC know that the vital work of addressing childhood trauma must be taken on as a team. In an average year, Ohio’s Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs) serve approximately 11,700 children across our state. These are children who have suffered the horrors of physical abuse, sexual abuse, and human trafficking.
The Ohio Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers is comprised of more than 30 accredited and developing practice sites that offer response and prevention to child abuse (both physical and sexual), neglect, and trafficking. One of our centers of excellence is The Center for Family Safety and Healing. We are proud to highlight the hard work of our CAC staff and multidisciplinary team partners, and affirm our shared dedication to the children of Ohio. Go to www.ONCAC.org for more information.