LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Bivona Child Advocacy Center for
their commitment to providing child victims of sexual abuse a safe haven

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the Bivona Child Advocacy Center for their commitment to providing child
victims of sexual abuse a safe haven; and
WHEREAS, Prior to the opening of the Bivona Child Advocacy Center,
children believed to be victims of child sexual abuse were required to
go from agency to agency, answering the same graphic questions and
reliving the terrifying moments of their abuse over and over again; and
WHEREAS, They became scared, confused and withdrawn, and often
appeared inconsistent in a way that discouraged prosecution efforts;
today, the Bivona Child Advocacy Center makes it possible for a child to
go to one safe, welcoming place to talk about their abuse so that the
healing process can begin; and
WHEREAS, The Child Advocacy Center model has been proven effective at
increasing the probability of convicting sex offenders and thereby
getting them out of our homes, out of our schools and off our streets;
and
WHEREAS, Agencies operating from throughout Monroe County include
Monroe County Child Protective Services, Rochester Police Department,
Monroe County Sheriff's Office, NYS Police, REACH Program Rape Crisis
Services, Monroe County District Attorney's Office, Catholic Family
Center and Linden Oaks Sexual Abuse Treatment Services; and
WHEREAS, By these agencies coordinating services under one roof, the
financial cost of handling these cases is about 1/3 of what it would
cost without the Bivona Child Advocacy Center; the emotional savings
derived from not re-traumatizing the children are immeasurable; and
WHEREAS, At its annual dinner, the Bivona Child Advocacy Center recog-
nized benefactors and supporters, one of which was Mike Dinardo who was
awarded the Teddy Bear Mascot Tie for his significant contributions and
efforts on behalf of Bivona Child Advocacy Center for the care of
victims of child abuse; and
WHEREAS, The success of the Bivona Child Advocacy Center is in direct
correlation to the efforts of its administration, members, and staff
whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impres-
sive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard
of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the Center and the popu-
lation it serves; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Bivona Child Advocacy Center for their commitment to provid-
ing child victims of sexual abuse a safe haven; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Bivona Child Advocacy Center, and Mike Dinardo.