Children’s Advocacy Center Construction Begins

 

by Jonathan Weaver

Construction has begun on a new “safe haven” for local children and individuals with disabilities that have been abused.

HAVIN (Helping All Victims In Need) Executive Director Jo Ellen Bowman gave Armstrong County Commissioners Jason Renshaw and Pat Fabian an update regarding the upcoming “Kay’s Cottage” yesterday.

“Construction started last week, and we’re hoping within the next six months we’re going to have our local Children’s Advocacy Center,” Bowman said.

“Kay’s Cottage” – named in memory of longtime supporter Kay Steiner – will allow children and individuals with disabilities who have been sexually assaulted, physically assaulted, or have witnessed violent crimes to talk with trained professionals in a less-stressful environment.

Bowman said the Children’s Advocacy Center will be a comfortable place where children can report abuse to trained professionals in conjunction with District Attorney Scott Andreassi’s office, Children and Youth and law enforcement.

“It’s a huge endeavor but it’s a huge gift to the children we all care about in Armstrong County,” Bowman said.

The facility – delayed due to the state budget impasse - is located behind current offices on Arch Street in Kittanning.

According to HAVIN’s website, Armstrong County’s Multi-Disciplinary Investigative Team has recognized the need for a dedicated facility in Armstrong County to conduct forensic interviews. Many interviews so far had to be conducted in downtown Pittsburgh.

Children’s Advocacy Centers are available in Pittsburgh at Children’s Hospital of UPMC or at A Child’s Place at Mercy.

Audio and video equipment will be available in Armstrong County for professionals to view feedback.

During the past 10 months, HAVIN has raised money for Kay’s Cottage through sales at Encore! Artisan Boutique along Market Street in Downtown Kittanning. The store offers handmade clothing, crafts and jewelry.

Encore! Artisan Boutique opened in May 2015.

The National Children’s Advocacy Center in Huntsville, Alabama was created in 1985 under the leadership of former Alabama Congressman Robert E. “Bud” Cramer.

The national center has helped establish more than 900 Children’s Advocacy Centers and train more than 100,000 child abuse professionals according to the organization’s website.

Commissioners, who were invited to visit HAVIN as well as the construction site, also proclaimed April “Sexual Assault Awareness Month” in the county.