Malone Child Safety Center hosts community coffee

PRESCOTT – Tuesday’s community coffee was sponsored by the Percy and Donna Malone Child Safety Center.

Christa Neal, center director, said the center offers a variety of services for children who have been abused in some form or fashion, be it physical, emotional or sexual. She told the group the center has been open more than four years, operating in five counties, and all the school districts in those counties.

To date, she said, more than 500 area children have been assisted through the center. One of the things done when children first arrive is a forensic interview with the child placed in an area it feels safe. Children are told not to keep secrets when it comes to being hurt or touched inappropriately.

Christi McQueen, Eighth Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney, said law enforcement agencies take children to the center before her office finds out anything’s happened. Once the forensic interviews are done, her office gets a tape and proceeds from there. “They’re instrumental in what they do,” she said.

Tawana Williams said training is available if anyone is interested and can be set up locally if so desired.

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