ROCKINGHAM — The regional Child Advocacy Center will soon be purchasing additional toys and other supplies thanks to a recent allocation from the Richmond County Board of Commissioners.
The board on Tuesday unanimously approved a contribution of $5,000 from the discretionary fund, suggested by Commissioner Jeff Smart following a presentation on the center by Supervisor Tiara Gilbert and Coordinator Kelly Kirk.
The Our House Tri-County Child Advocacy Center, located at Harrington Square in downtown Rockingham, serves Richmond, Anson and Scotland counties.
Before the center opened, child abuse victims, investigators and social workers had to travel more than an hour away to access a center for forensic interviews and medical evaluations, according to Kirk.
The local CAC was initiated by the District Attorney’s office “with the goal of offering timely, comprehensive services for children close to home,” Kirk said.
Planning and development started in 2022, with the three counties each committing $25,000 in start-up funding and every law enforcement and Child Protection Services agency in the region signing on as partners.
Kelly Kirk gives a presentation on the Child Advocacy Center to the Richmond County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 4.
William R. Toler - Richmond Observer
Kirk was hired as coordinator in July of 2023 and the center began operating in September of that year.
Children are referred to the CAC by CPS or law enforcement, with the center assisting with investigations into child abuse allegations.
“We support child victims and their families and we reduce trauma to children during the investigative process,” Kirk said. “We coordinate services to ensure the child’s safety and wellbeing and… (pursue) justice in a way that puts the child first.”
Those services include: forensic interviews; child medical evaluations; victim advocacy throughout the case; trauma therapy; case coordination; and community education.
Since opening, Kirk said the CAC has served 219 children — including 117 in Richmond County. That number also includes 55 from Scotland County and 47 from Anson County.
RO file photo
The team currently includes a staff of two full-time and one part-time employee, as well as contracted interviewers, a medical provider, an in-house therapist and a pool of certified trauma-trained mental health professionals.
“This last year, we were able to double our office space and we worked hard to create a warm and child-friendly environment where children can feel safe and supported,” Kirk said.
The CAC is funded through a combination of county support, state and federal grants, MOEs through Trillium, and local fundraisers.
The Scotland County Sheriff’s Office has raised more than $18,000 the past two years through its Cook-Off for the Kids. Coldwell Banker in Rockingham, which is next door to the CAC, donated toys and stuffed animals in 2024.
“As we look ahead, our vision is to continue growing and strengthening our services,” Kirk said. “We’re preparing to apply for full state and national accreditation within the next six months to a year, and that’s going to help us meet the highest standards of care.”
Kirk said there are also plans to expand the CAC’s capacity for interviews and medical exams to decrease the wait time for services and increase the number of children served.
“I can remember when it was originally funded and how excited we were that there was going to be an opportunity to provide some support for these kids that have faced abuse …,” said Chairman Dr. Rick Watkins.
Prior to making his motion, Smart asked Kirk if there were any immediate needs at the CAC, and Kirk replied that the center is always accepting toys, stuffed animals, blankets and snacks that are given to the children who pass through.
Commissioner Andy Grooms, not opposing the motion, pointed out that the county has allocated $6,000 to the CAC in the past two budget cycles.
“We haven’t been overlooking this the past two years, ‘cause I know the good work that they do down there,” Grooms said. “When I first became commissioner … this was a dream … to help kids to not have to relive the trauma seven or eight different times, and this place kinda streamlines that.”
Grooms also suggested that Richmond County hold a fundraiser similar to the one in Scotland County to “bring the community out and support a great cause,” with Commissioner Jamie Gathings agreeing.
Social Services Director Theressa Smith said there are plans in the works for a “Dollars Day” fundraiser in April — which is designated as Child Abuse Prevention Month — asking that every resident in the county donate $1 to the CAC.
