Local Prosecutor Pushes For More Child Advocacy Center Funding
By Brad Segall
PHILADELPHIA (CBS)--A local prosecutor is once again pushing the Pennsylvania Legislature to pass legislation that would provide a stable source of funding for child advocacy centers statewide.
The child advocacy centers use investigative teams in child-friendly settings to improve child abuse prosecutions and help young victims heal.
There are 22 centers across Pennsylvania, but Montgomery County D.A. Risa Ferman would like to see more.
Celebrating the 4th anniversary of Mission Kids, the child advocacy center she founded, Ferman called on state lawmakers to provide seed money and dedicated revenue streams for new centers.
"This isn't a question of there's no money out there, there is money out there. There has to be a commitment to protect children and a realization that this is the very best way to protect children."
Mission Kids has conducted nearly 1,500 interviews in just four years. The Sandusky case led to the creation of a task force on child protection which found many parts of the state are underserved when it comes to helping child abuse victims.
