April 5 groundbreaking set for child advocacy center

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP - On April 5 at 11 a.m. on county land across from the Monmouth County Police Academy, Kozloski Road, a long-awaited event will finally take place.

The Monmouth County Board of Freeholders, Monmouth County Prosecutor Luis Valentin and his staff, and the board of trustees of the Friends of the Monmouth County Child Advocacy Center, as well as elected officials, invited guests and donors will conduct a groundbreaking ceremony for the future Monmouth County Child Advocacy Center.

According to a press release, upon completion, the center will serve as a safe, child-friendly, age-appropriate facility where child victims can go to access the needed medical, mental health, social advocacy and law enforcement services following a report.

Last year the Division of Youth and Family Services received more than 3,000 reports of child abuse, neglect and assault in Monmouth County; and more than 700 of those cases rose to the level of criminal prosecution. According to the press release, all of these children would have benefited from a child advocacy center.

The new child advocacy center will contain a welcoming reception area, age-appropriate interview rooms, conference rooms and private areas where children and their families can gather while they access the necessary services. Upon completion, the Monmouth County Child Advocacy Center, which is based on a national model that represents the best standards of care for child victims, will co-locate all the professionals under one roof.

This effort has been a partnership between the public and private sectors. To date, Friends of the Monmouth County Child Advocacy Center has raised more than $2.5 million. Funding has been received from federal and state appropriations, the Monmouth County freeholders, the business and civic community in Monmouth County as well as private citizens. The total cost of the project is estimated to be $6 million. The Friends will continue their fundraising efforts until the project is completed.

Additional information is available at www.friendsofmccac.org or by calling (732) 576-1549.