• Liquid antibacterial hand soap for hand washing (dispenser & refills)
• Individually Bottled Water
• Individual juice boxes/pouches (clear beverages preferred)
• Individually Wrapped Snacks – Little Debbie, chips, cookies, etc…
• Office Supplies – copy paper, card stock (white or color), manila file folders, post-it notes, 8½ x 11 pads of paper, pens, memo pads, printer cartridges, copier cartridges, etc.
• Tall kitchen garbage bags
• Paper Products (toilet tissue, paper towels, disposable plates, decorative napkins, and cutlery)
• Cleaning Supplies
• Holiday theme decorations for reception porch, foyer and child playroom (Seasonal, Valentines, Easter, St. Patrick’s Day, Independence Day, Halloween, and Thanksgiving, no Christmas needed at this time)

New and Gently Used Toys as follows:

• For infants and toddlers – simple puzzles, stacking toys, push/pull toys
• For preschoolers – large crayons, dolls of varying ethnicities, play food
• For school-age children – stickers, dolls of varying ethnicities, playing cards
• For adolescents – teen & sports magazines, playing cards, CD players, hygiene products

Maintenance Service – once per month for general facility needs

Volunteers for both long-term positions and spontaneous projects

What is child sexual abuse?

Child sexual abuse is the exploitation or coercion of a child. Child sexual abuse involves a continuum of behavior that ranges from verbal, non-physical abuse to forcible touching offenses. It can range from a single encounter with an exhibitionist, to confusing occasional fondling by a casual acquaintance, to years of ongoing abuse by a relative or family member, to rape and/or exploitation through prostitution and pornography.

Who are the Offenders?

Child sexual abusers are likely to be people we know, and could even care about. Most child abusers are fathers, stepparents, grandparents and other family members. Older children and peers also abuse children. Offenders may be neighbors, babysitters, ministers, teachers, coaches, or anyone else who has close contact with our children. Up to eighty percent of all cases include an offender who is someone the child knows or trusts. In approximately half of these cases, the trusted adult is a father or stepfather.

What is physical child abuse?

Child physical abuse and neglect occur when a child’s physical health or welfare is harmed or threatened with harm by the acts or omissions of his or her parent(s) or caregiver(s). Harm refers to infliction of physical pain, resulting in injury, disfigurement or impairment of any bodily organ or death.

Neglect, or “harm through omission,” refers to a failure to provide the child with adequate food, clothing, shelter, education, supervision or health care, providing the parent or guardian is financially able to do so.

Statistics

• An estimated 1 in 4 girls, and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually abused before age 18.
• In 80% or more of child sexual abuse cases, the child is abused by someone he or she knows and trusts.
• In approximately half of the cases in which the child knows the offender, the trusted adult is a father or stepfather.
• An estimated 9 out of 10 cases of child sexual abuse are never reported.
• The average sexual abuse “incident” is not a one-time event. Rather, it is an ongoing cycle of exploitation that lasts for one or more years.
• Sexual abuse of children occurs in every class, race, religion, neighborhood, cultural and ethnic group.
• The National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect estimates as many as 100,000 to 200,000 children are physically abused each year. Five times as many are neglected. Abuse is the second leading cause of death, behind Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, for children 0-5 years of age.
• Domestic violence is any physical or emotional behavior perpetrated by one person toward another to control the other person’s behavior, regardless of injury or frequency of incident.
• Children in homes where domestic violence occurs are physically abused or neglected at a rate 1500% higher than the national average.
• Nationally, 75% of battered women say their children are also battered.
• 53% of battering husbands also batter their children.

Safe vs. Unsafe Touching

What It Is Not.

Child sexual abuse is NOT the same as fond and playful ways of showing love. Hugs and kisses can be good-within limits.

Setting Family Safety Rules.

Here are some rules that you as a parent can help your children learn concerning touching:

• It is never okay for grownups or older kids to touch your private body parts-except to keep you healthy and clean.
• If someone touches your private body parts and asks you to keep it a secret, tell someone about it right away. If the first person doesn’t believe you, someone else will.
• Anytime you feel mixed up about a touch…tell the person to stop and talk to a grownup you trust.

Repeat these rules to your child again and again. By teaching touching safety, you will NOT scare your child or make him or her afraid of good, healthy touching. You WILL be giving your child skills to stop unsafe touching. Children feel good knowing they can help themselves.

What to look for

How can I tell if a child has been sexually abused?

Children often don’t tell about sexual abuse. Watch for these signs:

• Sudden change in the way the child acts
• Aggression or acting out
• Seductive behavior with friends, babysitters or other adults
• Fear of being alone with a certain person
• Excessive play with his or her own private body parts
• Change in how much the child eats (more or less)
• Unhappiness and withdrawal
• Bedwetting and nightmares
• Too much crying

Any one of the above does not necessarily mean sexual abuse has occurred. These are signs the child may have a problem that needs attention.

There also may be physical signs:

• Physical pain in the area of private body parts
• Blood-stained underwear
• Rectal bleeding

If these signs appear, take your child to your doctor right away!

How can I tell if a child is being physically abused or neglected?

Physical abuse is most often indicated by obvious signs of physical injuries:

• Unexplained bruises and welts:
  • On the face, lips and mouth
  • In various states of healing (bruises of different colors, for example, or old and new scars together)
  • On large areas of the torso, back, buttocks, or thighs.
  • In clusters, forming regular patterns, or reflective of the article used to inflict them (electrical cord, belt buckle).
  • On several different surface areas (indicating the child has been hit from different directions).
  • Appearing as identical marks on both sides of the body.
• Unexplained Burns, including:
  • Cigar or cigarette burns, especially on the soles of the feet, palms, back or buttocks.
  • Immersion or “wet” burns, including glove or sock-like burns and doughnut-shaped burns on the buttocks or genitals.
  • Patterned or “dry” burns, which show a clearly defined mark, left by the instrument used to inflict them (e.g., electrical burner).
  • Rope burns on the arms, legs, neck or torso.
• Unexplained Fractures
  • To the skull, nose or facial features.
  • In various stages of healing (indicating they occurred at different times).
  • Multiple or spiral fractures.
  • Swollen or tender limbs.
  • Any fracture in a child under the age of two.
• Unexplained Lacerations and Abrasions, including:
  • To the mouth, lips, gums or eyes.
  • To the external genitalia.
  • On the backs of arms, legs or torso.
• Unexplained Abdominal Injuries, including:
  • Swelling of the abdomen.
  • Localized tenderness.
  • Constant vomiting.
  • Human bite marks (especially when they appear adult size or are recurrent).
  • Bald spots and scalp bruising (can be caused by hair pulling).
• A physically abused child may:
  • Be wary of physical contact with adults (avoid or shrink away from any adult’s touch).
  • Display extreme behavior (extreme aggressiveness or extreme withdrawal).
  • Fear his or her parents.
  • Fear going home, or cry when it is time to leave a protected environment.
  • Report injuries.
  • Seem anxious to please and to let others say and do things to him/her without protest.
  • Frequently be late or absent from school.
  • Consistently arrive early to school or stay long after it is time to go home.
  • Wear extra clothing to conceal injuries.
  • Give unbelievable explanations for his or her injuries or claim no knowledge of the source of injuries.
  • Seek more than an average amount of affection from other adults.
  • Exhibit habit disorders (sucking, rocking, biting or eating disorders).
  • Have lags in emotional and intellectual development.
• A physically abusive parent or caretaker may:
  • Use harsh discipline which does not fit the “offense” or the age of the child.
  • Complain that the child cries too much or “causes trouble.”
  • Be angry or defensive when asked about problems concerning the child, or appear uninterested and unconcerned.
  • Offer illogical or unconvincing explanations for a child’s injuries.
  • Appear cold or unloving toward the child.
  • Misuse drugs or alcohol.
  • Believe harsh, physical discipline is the only way to control the child.

Signs of Neglect

Indicators of neglect are often there most of the time. Ask yourself these questions: are the signs-that you might interpret as neglect-simply the expression of cultural differences, an alternative lifestyle, or are they actually true neglect?

Neglect, or “harm through omission,” refers to a failure to supply the child with adequate food, clothing, shelter, education, supervision or health care, providing the parent or guardian is financially able to do so. Examples of neglect include:

• Lack of proper supervision
• Lack of protection
• Lack of adequate clothing
• Lack of a safe place to live
• Lack of educational opportunity
• Lack of adequate medical and dental care
• Lack of proper hygiene
• Deprivation of sleep
• Leaving a child locked in a closet
• Driving with children while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Failure to provide adequate nurturance, affirmation or emotional support.

Consequences of child physical abuse and neglect

Child abuse and neglect may permanently or seriously damage the physical, emotional and mental development of the child. The physical effects may include damage to:

• brain
• vital organs
• eyes
• ears
• arms
• legs

These injuries may result in:

• mental retardation
• blindness
• deafness
• loss of a limb
• death

Emotional damage is also serious. Abused children often display:

• low self concept
• poor academic performance
• impaired thought processes
• poor language development
• poor perceptual and motor skills
• aggression
• anxiety and self-destructiveness

These characteristics may later lead to anti-social behavior, abuse of drugs or alcohol, suicide or prostitution.

The CAC House

To lessen the trauma, NEW HOPE is centered around the child. All persons needed to help him/her in this situation, comes to them in this home-like setting. This minimizes the trauma of having to go to the law enforcement offices, the doctor/hospital, and the office of the Child Protective Services worker. If the children come in hungry, we have a kitchen for preparing food and always keep juice boxes and snacks available. We have special ‘child friendly rooms’ available for interviews, emergency medical exams and counseling.

Our newly refurbished entry area

The non-offending family members are also helped here through advocacy information, education and support groups. The two story house has a welcoming waiting area at the front of the house. Inside, there is a very colorful playroom for the children to spend time.

The normal operating hours at the Blount County Children’s Advocacy Center are Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm. But, whenever an emergency victim is in need, the center is opened for the needs of the child.

New Hope, Blount County Children’s Advocacy Center is an Accredited Member of the National Children’s Alliance. This was awarded to the center in May 2006.

Accredited Member May 2006

http://www.nca-online.org/

TN Commission on Children & Youth

http://www.tennessee.gov/tccy/

Tennessee Law and Reporting Abuse

According to Tennessee law, ALL persons must report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect. This includes doctors, police, teachers, parents, mental health professionals, child care providers, dentists, family members and friends.

In Tennessee, if you have “reasonable cause to believe” a child is being abused or neglected you must report that suspicion to the state Department of Children’s Services or law enforcement-and you are required by law to do it immediately. Failure to report is a misdemeanor.

Do not attempt to conduct your own investigation. Report your suspicions to the proper authorities. It is the role of the state Department of Children’s Services or law enforcement to investigate the report. However, all reports do not meet the criteria for investigation. If you suspect additional abuse after the initial report has been made, report that as well.

As a mandated reporter you are protected by the state in terms of liability and confidentiality. Reporters who “act in good faith” are immune from any civil or criminal liability.

For further information, please visit our Abuse Information & Answers page.

Reporting Child Abuse

Do you have knowledge or suspicion regarding child abuse or neglect?

In an extreme emergency, CALL 911!

Call the DCS 24-Hour Toll Free Hotline
Public Line: 1-877-237-0004

Medical/Legal Line:
1-877-237-0026

Case Managers:
1-877-237-0034

All calls are CONFIDENTIAL

Making a Difference…One Volunteer at a Time -

The Blount County Children’s Advocacy Center is always appreciative of volunteer support from our local community members. As a volunteer with New Hope, you have several options and opportunities to help. We have many volunteers who come to the office on a weekly basis to answer phones, greet guests, and help with other general office tasks as needed, while others prefer to assist with our many special events throughout the year.

Many individuals have a busy schedule, but are able to help in other ways and we always welcome any help or support offered, including monetary donations, donating items from our Wish List, and other creative projects as they arise. We have a wide range of volunteers at the center from students at Maryville College who join our program to learn more about non-profit work and to help children in our area, to adults who join the volunteer team to make a difference and use their skills in a positive way.

To learn more about our volunteer program or to start volunteering today, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Jennifer Morgan at jenm@blountkids.org or at (865) 981-2000. I look forward to you joining our team to help fight child abuse in Blount County!

Volunteer Group

Signature Sponsor is a company/organization that donates in excess of $15,000 per year (money and/or in-kind). These are the lead sponsors from our community who ensure that we are successful in meeting our mission. Our Signature Sponsors are:

Blackberry Farm
Blount Memorial Hospital
The Daily Times

The Blount County Child Protective Investigative Team is composed of representatives of the District Attorney General’s Office of the 5th Judicial District, the Blount County Department of Children’s Services, Blount County Juvenile Court, law enforcement from Blount County Sheriff’s Office, Maryville Police Department, and Alcoa Police Department, and a representative from the Children’s Advocacy Center.

CPIT is legislated by state statute and there is one team per county. Members of this team are convened following allegations of severe physical and/or sexual abuse. The team conducts its investigation with its main objectives being to protect the child, collect information, and to provide support services when deemed necessary by the team. The team meets to review each case on a monthly basis.

During these meetings the lead detective and the Child Protective Service worker assigned to each case present the information obtained from their investigation to the team. Other members who may have had involvement with the case such as the forensic interviewer, physician, or therapist may also provide additional information. The team then decides if the information supports the allegation. The team may recommend further action.

2008

Who we are

New Hope, Blount County Children’s Advocacy Center is located at 212 Cates Street in Maryville, Tennessee, 37801. Our phone number is (865) 981-2000.

Purpose

The Children’s Advocacy Center is a child-friendly, safe place for child victims of sexual and physical abuse. Children along with their non-offending family members, can receive the services necessary for return to optimal functioning within an environment that is designed to be the “child’s office” where the multiple agencies and professionals convene to coordinate and deliver services.

There are over 500 Children’s Advocacy Centers worldwide, more than 300 of which are connected via accreditation through the National Children’s Alliance, a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to assist communities seeing to improve their responses to child abuse by establishing and maintaining Children’s Advocacy Centers. Twenty-eight such centers are currently in operation in Tennessee and are connected via membership with the Tennessee Chapter of Children’s Advocacy Centers. Both state and national organizations maintain membership standards, which all centers must meet and maintain.

The Blount County Children’s Advocacy Center
is dedicated to serving children
who are victims of sexual and physical abuse
through prevention, education, and intervention.

Our vision is that all children are loved, protected, nurtured, and educated.

Bringing New Hope to child abuse victims

It is the mission of the New Hope Blount County Children’s Advocacy Center to
lessen the trauma experienced by the child victim of abuse by providing a child-
friendly enter with a warm, home like supportive environment where
intervention efforts can be offered to reduce the stress to the abused child and
non-offending parent or adult caregiver. The Center further commits to raise
public awareness for the need to stop and prevent physical and sexual abuse
against innocent children.

I. The Mission & Objectives of the CAC

The Blount County Children’s Advocacy Center is dedicated to serving children who are victims of sexual and physical abuse through prevention, education and intervention.

Our primary objectives are:

• Provide team forensic interviews
• Provide medical examinations
• Provide advocacy services
• Provide counseling services
• Coordinate the state-mandated team of professionals responsible for the investigation, intervention and treatment of sexually abused children and their family members.
• Provide community education programs for children and adults in the ways to prevent child abuse.
• Provide community education for professionals on child abuse related topics

History of Blount County Children’s Advocacy Center

The Children’s Advocacy Center formed as a result of the 1985 Tennessee Sexual Abuse Law. This law mandated that the district attorney, the Department of Children’s Services, law enforcement, medical personnel, and mental health professionals (hereafter called the “Team”) work together as a group in the intervention, investigation, and prosecution of child abuse cases and to provide mental health counseling to assist the child victim in overcoming the trauma of the abuse.

The Blount County Children’s Advocacy Center Task Force, comprised of local professionals and community volunteers, recognized that children were often re-traumatized by the very system designated to help them. The Task Force, established in 2000, set out to create a child-friendly, home-like setting based on the national model of Children’s Advocacy Centers located in Huntsville, Alabama. Like the national model, our Center is a private not-for-profit agency that facilitates the teamwork essential for effective intervention and healing.

Involved in that initial Task Force were:

• Beckie Timmons
• Margaret Ivens
• Hope Ingram
• Donna Alexander
• Judy Humphrey
• Bobbie Beckmann
• Bill Reed
• Linda Pucci
• Allen Bray
• Jules McCord
• Kay Everett
• Beverly Collins

IF THE CAC DID NOT EXIST, WOULD SOMEONE INVENT IT?

Before the Center was formed, child abuse victims were often re-victimized by the very system designed to protect them. Children were re-traumatized when they were interviewed multiple times by several different adults. Interviews would take place at the police station, emergency room, professional offices, and even at the very location where the abuse occurred, all of which could be very scary places to a frightened child. Consequently, children would often recant their story or refuse to cooperate which would stifle the investigation.

Through the establishment of the BCCAC, the Team response to allegations and the mission of the center will be met. Through the interviewing, counseling, and medical services provided, along with the increased team collaboration and response in working child abuse cases, there will be an increase in the number of child abuse cases that are successfully prosecuted. This is largely due to the fact that when the team works together, the child victim is not interviewed multiple times, case management is effective in helping access services to meet the child’s needs, and the disposition of the case is swifter. Since these services will be provided at a single, child-friendly location, the child is generally more cooperative because he or she simply feels safer.

The Center’s impact on the children served and community as a whole can be unlimited. Primary prevention education activities will reveal cases of attempted abuse that were stopped because a child had the knowledge and skills to protect him/herself and ask for help. Children who have been abused or are being abused will be provided a safe place to talk about their “secret” and be protected from further harm. Studies have revealed that without intervention, the abuse of the child will continue.

New Hope, Blount County Children’s Advocacy Center is a 501(c) (3) organization recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as such since March 2002. Charitable donations made to the center in the forms of cash, check, or credit card (Visa/MasterCard/Discover) are all tax deductible.

Monies donated support the programs helping the children, innocent victims of child abuse, and their non-offending family members recover from the devastation of the abuse. Forensic medical exams and interviews, counseling and support group are a few of the programs at the center.

Donations can be brought by the center during regular business hours or mailed to BCCAC, 212 Cates Street, Maryville, TN 37801. Credit cards donations can be accomplished on the phone by calling Trudy Hughes or Sandi Groover at 865-981-2000. Regular business hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm.

In-kind donations are also very welcome and are tax deductible