Special to the Enquirer

Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded grants totaling $4.8 million to help provide services to child victims of abuse, neglect and sexual assault as well as provide training and resources to local law enforcement and non-profit agencies.

One recipient is the Morgan County Child Advocacy Center, one of more than 20 centers in the state to receive grant funds. The local center will receive $229,440.

The grants will help many non-profit organizations provide services like forensic interviews, mental health services, medical services referrals, advocacy, community education and prevention services.

“Young victims deserve to have the same professional services and help given to them as adult victims,” Ivey said. “I commend these agencies that work daily to help those who have been harmed and work to prevent further abuse.”

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Justice.

ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, infrastructure upgrades, recreation, energy conservation and water resources management.

“ADECA shares Gov. Ivey’s dedication to protecting the most vulnerable among us,” added ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell, “by making sure child victims have the resources they need and that those helping the children are trained to provide the best assistance possible.”