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Two child advocacy groups in the region were among the 22 receiving grants from the state of West Virginia.
North Star Child Advocacy Center in Parkersburg received $134,031 to provide a safe, neutral setting where law enforcement and child protective service workers can observe forensic interviews of children who are alleged victims of abuse in Wood, Wirt, Ritchie, Pleasants and Calhoun counties.
The Wetzel County Commission will receive $86,270 to reduce the trauma of child abuse, protect children from maltreatment, support investigations and improve the community’s ability to protect children in Wetzel and Taylor Counties.
More than $2.1 million was announced by Gov. Patrick Morrisey for a multidisciplinary response to child abuse and neglect by supporting advocacy, forensic interviews, medical evaluations, counseling, education and other critical services for child victims.
“Protecting West Virginia’s children is one of our most important responsibilities,” Morrisey said. “These grants ensure that children who have experienced abuse receive the care, advocacy, and support they need while helping law enforcement, prosecutors, medical professionals, and child advocates work together to pursue justice and protect our most vulnerable citizens.”