North Carolina recognizes Children's Advocacy Centers

Governor Roy Cooper declared April 11, 2024, as "Children's Advocacy Center Day."

This recognition highlights the crucial role these centers play in supporting vulnerable children.

Many children face physical or sexual abuse or neglect.

These incidents often go unreported, leaving lasting trauma. However, Children's Advocacy Centers offer a beacon of hope.

Last year alone, these centers across the state provided help to over 12,000 children.

A recent example is Raleigh's "SAFE Child" center, which opened last October.

SAFE Child Director Cristin DeRonja says there is hope.

"These children need to be heard, and we need to give them a safe place to come to talk about their experiences to better understand what has happened in their lives that has been traumatic," DeRonja said.

DeRonja said the new SAFE-Child center allows them to see multiple children at the same time - eliminating long wait lists for services.

This center provides a haven for children while they receive professional support.