Advocacy Center part of federal funding

By Staff
Efforts to provide a safe haven for abused children in Morgan County may soon be getting a boost from the federal government.
Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Haleyville, said this year's Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies appropriations bill includes $83,000 for the Morgan County Child Advocacy Center. The House approved the bill; it awaits Senate OK.
"Funding the Morgan County Child Advocacy Center is a step forward in protecting area children from child abuse," Rep. Aderholt said. "These funds will provide additional resources, educational opportunities, and give the Center more tools to help in this important fight."
The money would be used to cover operating costs for the Center, provide for forensic interviews, evaluation, and counseling for victims of child abuse.
Morgan County District Attorney Bob Burrell said the money would go a long way towards helping numerous children.
"Child abuse, in whatever form it takes, is a terrible crime and its effects are long lasting," Burrell said. "I want to thank the people at the Child Advocacy Center for the work that they are doing. For children who have suffered as patients of the center have, it's vital that they have a safe place to recover and begin to heal."