Child Advocacy Center Initiative

Item 298 #3c

Language
Page 274, line 4, strike "$694,514" and insert "$1,694,514".
Page 274, line 12, before "The" insert "A."
Page 274, after line 32, insert:
"B.   Out of this appropriation, $1,000,000 from the general fund the second year shall be used to expand statewide services provided through child advocacy centers.  The Secretary, with assistance from relevant Health and Human Resources agencies, shall develop a request for proposals to distribute one-third of the funding for each of the three categories of child advocacy centers including:  (i) fully accredited members, (ii) associate centers, and (iii) other centers that are currently operating, developing, or exploring development based on standards set by the National Children’s Alliance with input from the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Virginia."

Explanation
(This amendment adds $1.0 million from the general fund in the second year to expand or develop child advocacy centers in Virginia. These centers are accredited by the National Children’s Alliance and offer a new way of serving abused children through a comprehensive approach to services for victims and their families. The centers coordinate investigations and intervention services by bringing together professionals and agencies as a multidisciplinary team to create a child-focused approach to child abuse cases.)