Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter, State Rep. Rex Reynolds, and National Children’s Advocacy Center (NCAC) founder, Bud Cramer, along with several other legislators and NCAC associates, toured the NCAC headquarters in Huntsville yesterday.
NCAC was founded on May 1, 1985, and was the first Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) in the world. It was created to provide professional services to alleged victims of sexual abuse, model, promote, and deliver excellence in child abuse prevention and response, and limit additional trauma while allowing law enforcement and the criminal justice system to gather evidence and prepare cases for prosecution in a family-friendly atmosphere.
The NCAC’s model brings together law enforcement, criminal justice, child protective service, medical, and mental health workers, using the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) approach to child abuse investigations.
Chief Executive Officer Chris Newin welcomed the legislators, saying NCAC has revolutionized how the nation is responding to child abuse, and it serves as a model for the world. Newin described Speaker Ledbetter as a man passionate about two things: improving the lives of children and sharing “good Alabama stories.” Speaking of Children’s Advocacy Centers, Newin said, “We literally have these programs in 41 countries. This is something that started right here in Alabama, and that, to me, is a great Alabama story.”
Speaker Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) addressed the gathering of fellow advocates and officials. “It is certainly an honor to be here today and tour this facility and see what I have seen here today. There is no question that God’s hands are on this facility, seeing the lives it has saved and it is going to save in the future. What started here in Huntsville, Alabama, is changing the world when it comes to protecting kids, and we should all be very proud of that. It is certainly an Alabama story, and the leadership it has shown through NCAC is incredible.”
“I think one of the greatest charges we have as legislators is to take care of our kids because they are our future,” Ledbetter added.
Chairman of the Alabama House general fund budget committee and State Rep. Rex Reynolds (R-Huntsville) addressed the group. Reynolds, a former NCAC board member and law enforcement officer, expressed how valuable the organization is and that fighting the effects of childhood trauma and abuse truly takes a partnership among various entities. He said legislators were very passionate about updating laws to help prosecutors better prosecute abuse cases.
Former congressman Bud Cramer spoke last, relating how his work many years ago as an assistant prosecutor in the juvenile court system revealed to him the need for a place like the NCAC. The first CAC was located in a house across the street from the current building.
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Through hard work, fundraising, and many battles in the legislature, his vision for the center’s needs sparked the fire that has brought the current facility to the world today.
Alabama Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers spokesperson Lynn Scott said, “Our Centers work tirelessly to ensure children in Alabama receive high-quality services from the time of initial report until the completion of treatment so they can thrive in the future. Today’s event amplifies our mission and the need for continued support.”
Sherri Blevins is a writer for Mountain Valley News and a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.
