Child Advocates In Chester County Are Top-Notch, Badly Needed

WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County's Children's Advocacy Center has received national recognition at a time when the protection of children is more important than ever.

As the COVID-19 pandemic keeps children inside their homes more, reports of child abuse have fallen, according to the Chester County District Attorney's Office. This is because persons who are "mandatory reporters" — meaning those compelled by law to report suspected child abuse when they see it — are mostly in schools. As children have fewer interactions with school professionals, some cases of child abuse are likely being missed in the pandemic.

Reports of child abuse and child pornography are on the rise in Chester County. Between 2015 and 2019, there was a 45 percent increase in child abuse calls to the Childline, while child pornography and Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) saw a 300 percent increase between 2015 and 2020, the district attorney's office reported this week.

The National Children's Alliance (NCA) recently reaccredited the Chester County Children's Advocacy Center (CAC), recognizing the work and the commitment of the CAC to children and families in Chester County. Accreditation means the CAC has met national standards for dealing with child victims of physical and sexual abuse and neglect.

"The Children’s Advocacy Center is a cornerstone of this office, and NCA accreditation means the work we do is of gold quality standard," said Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan.

She added, "In turn, that demonstrates to children and families that the countless professionals who work together in the CAC will be thorough and compassionate advocates for them during a highly traumatic time. As a former prosecutor in the Child Abuse Unit, I am incredibly proud of everyone's tireless efforts in protecting our children in Chester County."

Chester County Chief of Detectives David M. Sassa said, "This accreditation affirms that we are abiding by best practices nationally in conducting child forensic interviews and providing services to these victims and their families."

The reaccreditation also brings with it grant monies, training, and other opportunities to improve the Children's Advocacy Center, Sassa said.

The CAC is a multi-disciplinary team made up of the District Attorney's Office, Chester County Detectives, law enforcement agencies, the Department of Children, Youth and Families, the Crime Victims' Center of Chester County, medical and mental health professionals, and other agencies.

Chester County Det. Sgt. Joe Walton said, "I appreciate the efforts of our investigators, forensic interviewers, advocates, caseworkers, and all of the members of our multi-disciplinary team for their hard work and commitment to the children and families in our community. This accreditation by the National Children’s Alliance is an accomplishment that we hold in high
regard." Walton is the executive director of the CAC.

Deputy District Attorney of the Child Abuse Unit Erin O’Brien said, "I prosecute child abuse cases every day, and knowing the CAC is a nationally recognized resource of experts makes my job easier. Child abuse is heartbreaking for everyone. The CAC helps child victims feel safer during the judicial process."

Anyone who suspects child abuse can call the Childline at 1-800-932-0313.