Child Advocacy Center reports 30% rise in forensic interviews; more counseling and medical exams now available locally

Ray Rayton, representing the county's Child Advocacy Center, told the commission that the center now provides forensic interviews, medical exams and in-house counseling so children and families do not have to travel across the state for specialized services.

"We've experienced about a 30% increase in the number of forensic interviews," Rayton said, noting that since October the center completed roughly 117 forensic interviews, averages about 600 counseling sessions per year and has performed 15 medical exams so far this year. He said the CAC coordinates with DHR, the sheriff's office and the district attorney and emphasized the child‑centered approach that keeps services together in one facility.

Rayton asked the commission to continue support for the CAC's services and said the in‑county availability of pediatric sexual-assault exams is a major improvement compared with prior practice, where families often needed to travel to Birmingham.