Southern Virginia Child Advocacy Center

Prevent Child Sexual Abuse in Franklin County

The Southern Virginia Child Advocacy Center (SVCAC) is a non-profit organization that operates under the umbrella of the Children’s Advocacy Programs of the Blue Ridge, Inc. offering diverse, comprehensive prevention and treatment services related to family violence in rural Franklin County, Virginia. The mission of SVCAC is to promote the well-being of abused and neglected children through treatment, advocacy, prevention, and education. The primary service programs include Franklin County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Resource Office for the Child Abuse Review Team (CART), What About the Children? (WATCH) parental education program, and the Child and Caretaker Interaction Program (CCIP).

The Southern Virginia Child Advocacy Center announces a new education/outreach prevention program available in Franklin County. The Darkness to Light, Stewards of Children curriculum is proven to change beliefs, actions and attitudes towards child sexual abuse.

Darkness to Light’s Stewards of Children is a three-hour workshop designed to educate adults on how to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to the reality of child sexual abuse. Stewards of Children emphasizes child safety as an adult’s responsibility. Trainings are open to the public. Each participant will be inspired to take personal responsibility in preventing this epidemic. Stewards of Children facilitates discussion about the incidence and consequences of abuse, and presents information about child protection policies and reporting mandates. Continuing education hours for professionals in various fields can also be obtained.

We are pleased to announce we have been awarded funding to support the implementation of this program through The Family and Children’s Trust Fund which is administered by a Board of Trustees appointed by the Governor to raise and distribute funds to local communities for family violence prevention, treatment, and public awareness throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The new series of prevention trainings will be available beginning in August of 2011. Contact the Southern Virginia Child Advocacy Center at education@southernvacac.org or call 484-5566 to participate in a scheduled training or coordinate this educational opportunity for your church, neighborhood watch group, school, or civic group. The training is free and includes an interactive workbook and companion brochure, the 7 Steps to Protecting Our Children.

GROUP TOURS AVAILABLE!

We are celebrating our second year anniversary in our new facility.  We would love for you to come and take a tour!  Call our office 484-5566 for more information on our services or to schedule a tour. Over 3,000 clients received services from the child advocacy center last year.  You can make the difference in the life of a child by volunteering to be an advocate for an abused or neglected child, providing assistance at one of our many special events, and by donating funds to help for the new facility. 

EVERY CHILD MATTERS