Child advocacy center asks Bannock County for $10,000 in annual support

Cassidy Roski, executive director of Bright Tomorrow Child Advocacy Center, told the Bannock County Board of Commissioners on June 5 that stable county funding of roughly $10,000 a year allows the nonprofit to maintain forensic interviews, trauma-specific counseling and caregiver support for child victims. "That $10,000 has been perfect and really, really helpful for us, and we're able to put it to use with our kiddos," Roski said.

Commissioners asked how the center fills gaps left by state or law-enforcement services. Roski said child advocacy centers keep forensic interviews and trauma care out of police stations and provide developmental, ongoing support to families, allowing law enforcement and child-welfare staff to focus on investigations. She also described recent fundraising efforts, including a community golf tournament aimed at reducing reliance on one-time federal or state grants.

Commissioners praised the center's work. The board did not take a funding vote at the meeting; the chair said the commission would follow up with Roski after reviewing budget considerations. "We'll get back with you," the chair told the director.

The request was presented during the meeting's public presentations and required no immediate formal action. The commission did not specify a timeline for a decision at the meeting.