Tuscaloosa Childrens Center Inc

The mission of The Tuscaloosa Children's Center is to provide a community based, multi-disciplinary response to child abuse victims and supportive family members by coordinating the efforts of the Office of the District Attorney, local law enforcement, the Department of Human Resources, and professional agencies involved in the investigation, management and prosecution of child abuse cases; provide protection from further harm through investigation, medical evaluation, counseling, resource referrals and legal advocacy; advance awareness and understanding of the problem and child abuse through community education; and promote the safety and well-being of all children.

In fiscal year 2010-2011, The Tuscaloosa Children's Center counselors provided 1,490 individual, family, and group counseling sessions for child victims and their non-offending family members, an increase of approximately 200 from the previous year.  They also completed seventeen (17) extended forensic evaluations. Seventy-four (74) new children were added to the existing caseload, an increase of 14 from the previous year. There were additional children referred for counseling and/or extended forensic evaluations whose caregivers did not follow through with services. One hundred and eighty one (181) forensic interviews were conducted by TCC interviewer, Sharon Whitfield. Thirty-four children (34) were referred for forensic medical examinations. The Child & Family Advocate accompanied children to forensic medical examinations, conducted follow-up with 104 clients, and provided 263 clients with crisis intervention. In addition to our regular work, TCC staff provided education regarding abuse to 354 members of the community. TCC’s Holiday Project provided food, clothing, and toys to 63 children and their families this year at Christmas. To learn more about our services, please visit our website at www.tuscaloosachildrenscenter.org