Western Child Advocacy asks Plainville council for $3,000, requests community donations for child backpack program

A representative of Western Child Advocacy told the Plainville City Council that the agency provides forensic interviews, therapy, medical-forensic exams and court advocacy for child victims across roughly 35 counties and recently expanded its partnerships in the region.

The presenter said the local program last year included six forensic interviews, about 73 therapy sessions, 64 advocacy sessions, one medical exam and a total of 137 service contacts in the area, and asked for community and municipal support to help sustain those services amid rising costs.

"We just became a partnership with Me County as well too now," the representative said, noting the group operates a fleet of mobile units (one medical, two interview and three therapy units) to reach children where they need help. They described typical on-van staffing as two advocates plus an interviewer and said advocates are cross-trained.

The presenter also read a parent’s written comment describing the emotional impact of the services: "After many years of asking numerous times for help, I felt the day after I felt like today someone heard us and cared. I felt like I had the resources to help cope with the difficult trauma and unpredictable behaviors." The presenter used the comment to illustrate outcomes that staff say are not captured by case counts alone.

The agency asked the council to publicize a "wish list" of items for a backpack program that supplies each interviewed child with a backpack containing blankets, hygiene items, age-appropriate reading material and small comfort items. The presenter said the backpacks are given when returning home may be unsafe and that donated items may be new or gently used.

On a motion to support the organization, council members voted by voice to provide $3,000 in city support; the mover and seconder were not specified in the record. The council also asked staff to accept contact information and pamphlets so residents and local groups can coordinate donations.

The presenter left contact details for Haley in the agency’s Hayes office to arrange pickups or donations.

Next steps: staff will record the approved support and provide the agency with information to publicize the local collection points and scheduling.