New York allocates $7.2 million to bolster child advocacy centers and help abuse victims

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — More than $7 million dollars has been allocated to fund child advocacy centers throughout New York.

CACs are a multi-disciplinary approach to investigating child abuse and caring for its victims. By combining social services, law enforcement, prosecutors, and medical care under one roof, CACs can provide a more coordinated and trauma-informed response to child abuse. This can help to reduce the number of times children must disclose details of their abuse, which can help to prevent re-traumatization.

At McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center in Syracuse, Sen. John Mannion announced Tuesday that $7.2 million in funding will help child advocacy centers (CACs) continue to provide essential services to children and families who have been affected by child abuse.

These services include forensic interviews with children who have been abused, mental health counseling and therapy, medical exams, and advocacy and support for families.

“Child Advocacy Centers protect children from abuse and help families and young victims of abuse heal and recover. The McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center in Syracuse serves more than one thousand children and families annually. I’ll continue to advocate vigorously for this vital and necessary resource for our community," Mannion said.

The McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center will be one of the many CACs to receive this funding.