The development of the Allen Child Protection Center is proving to be a fine example of Cedar Valley community members and organizations working together to make a difference.
Currently, more than 100 sexually or physically abused Black Hawk County children are sent to Cedar Rapids for a forensic interview and treatment at the St. Luke's Child Protection Center.
It's a trip that officials and experts say adds stress to already-traumatized children and families.
The creation of the center, set to open early next year at 3316 Cedar Heights Drive, will alleviate that trip for many, allowing forensic interviews and evaluations to be conducted closer to home. Those needing medical exams will continue to be referred to St. Luke's.
Local legislators Bob Kressig, Doris Kelley and Deb Berry were instrumental in securing the initial $100,000 legislative grant during the 2008 session to get the ball rolling.
"I thought with the waiting period at St. Luke's it just made sense that we put something together in this community," Kressig said. "But, to make it work we had to acquire the funding to get the process started. Now, it's really taken off, and I am excited we will have this service."
In addition to the original $100,000 legislative grant and a $25,000 contribution from the county attorney's office, the Allen Foundation also secured about $46,000 in outside funding. They have applied for additional grants totalling about $200,000.
An advisory board - made up of more than 20 community members in law enforcement, the courts, human services, counseling agencies, education, health care and government - have worked with a St. Luke's team to get the Black Hawk County center ready.
"With a forensic interview, the child is only interviewed once," said Black Hawk County Attorney Tom Ferguson. "The child is not put through talking about a traumatic situation multiple times, talking to multiple strangers. Everyone coordinates together and the questions are asked in a forensic fashion. There is a certain way the questions have to be asked, so as not to lead the child or suggesting something happened."
This has been a fine example of lawmakers and professionals coming together to better a system to the benefit of some of our most vulnerable residents.
If we can spare these children and their families further emotional trauma, then this center is well worth the time, effort and cost.
