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Partnership To Provide Help To Abused Kids In State Custody
By: Associated Press
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) – Juveniles in state custody who say they’ve been sexually assaulted or abused will now get help from West Virginia’s child advocacy centers under a new agreement.
The Charleston Gazette-Mail reports West Virginia Child Advocacy Network spokeswoman Emily Chittenden-Laird and state Division of Juvenile Services spokesman Tim Harper announced this week that the state’s 10 juvenile facilities signed agreements with their local child advocacy centers last month.
This means every child in the state’s juvenile justice system who alleges sexual abuse will receive help from those specialized in working with children.
Chittenden-Laird says research suggests children who are targeted are more likely to end up in the state’s juvenile justice system custody, where facilities have not been historically equipped to help them heal from the trauma.