James M Barrie Center for Children

Child abuse hurts...we all know this must be true.  But when you see children daily that have suffered traumatic experiences at the hand of someone that is suppose to love and care for them,  you realize how much that pain and trauma can radiate throughout their life.    In January 2012, our staff sat in the courtroom as a judge read a verdict involving the rape of a young child.  The child, holding the hand of the Assistant District Attorney, felt the weight of the world lift from her as the judge read one word..."guilty."  The multi disciplinary team members that were critical to the investigation sat by her side, realizing that she can now have a sense of moving on in her life and healing from her abuse.  This is what the collaborative efforts of a Children's Advocacy Center can do for just one child.

The James M. Barrie Center for Children (JBCC) was established in 2003 as the Children's Advocacy Center for Etowah County. JBCC provides a child friendly environment for children who are victims of child sexual abuse, physical abuse or who have witnessed a violent crime.  JBCC provides specialized forensic interviews, counseling, community education, advocacy and support through the process of the initial disclosure of abuse and throughout the pending prosecution.  We work in a coordinated effort with all law enforcement jurisdictions, DHR, medical providers and the District Attorney's office to comprehensively serve child victims. The intention is to provide a welcoming, child friendly environment so that children talk with one person rather than having to talk to multiple people (police, DHR, counselors, etc) therefore, lessening the trauma of a repeated disclosure.

You may be asking, how many children are involved?  In 2011, the JBCC provided 317 forensic interviews to the children of Etowah County as well as provided counseling and advocacy/support to victims. This last year we have seen a 20% increase in the number of victims interviewed at our center.  Surprisingly, 84% of all of our referrals involve allegations of sexual abuse.  

What makes an advocacy center unique?  Most importantly, all of our services are FREE to victims so that income is never a barrier to children and families receiving these critical services. Our ultimate goal is to provide a place of hope and healing to the children of Etowah County!