Children’s Center expresses appreciation to General Assembly

Campbell County Children’s Center thanks the General Assembly for historic investment in child protection

NASHVILLE, TN (SPECIAL TO WLAF)– During Child Abuse Prevention Month, Campbell County Children’s Center proudly recognizes and thanks the One Hundred Fourteenth Tennessee General Assembly for passing unprecedented funding to strengthen the state’s response to child abuse.

In a historic move, lawmakers have approved a significant increase in funding dedicated to Children’s Advocacy Centers across the state, including Campbell County Children’s Center, the local CAC serving Campbell, Claiborne and Union Counties. This investment will directly support victims of child abuse with continued access to critical services such as forensic interviews, trauma-focused therapy, medical evaluations, and advocacy for children and families navigating the justice system.

“This landmark funding shows that Tennessee’s leaders are committed to standing with our most vulnerable children,” said Stephen Woerner, Executive Director of Children’s Advocacy Centers of Tennessee. “By prioritizing Children’s Advocacy Centers, the General Assembly is making an investment in hope, healing, and justice for thousands of children in Tennessee.”

We are especially grateful to Senator Becky Massey and Representative Michele Carringer, as well as the members of the Senate and House Finance, Ways, and Means Committee, Judiciary Committee, and Children and Family Affairs Subcommittee for their leadership, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to protecting children. Their efforts were instrumental in passing this bill and making this funding a reality.

Campbell County Children’s Center would like to extend special thanks to our local legislators who championed this bill and signed on as cosponsors: Senator Ken Yager, Representative Dennis Powers and Representative Gary Hicks.

In April, communities across the state have been raising awareness about child abuse prevention. The General Assembly’s action highlights the importance of investing in early intervention and coordinated services that protect children, hold offenders accountable, and strengthen families.

Children’s Advocacy Centers serve as a model of effective public-private partnerships, working closely with law enforcement, child protection, prosecutors, and mental health professionals to ensure that every child has a chance to heal and thrive.

“We are deeply grateful to every legislator who championed this funding, especially those who live in our community” commented Tracie Davis, Children’s Center CEO. “Together, we are making Tennessee a safer, stronger place for children.”

About the Campbell County Children’s Center

Campbell County Children’s Center is a child advocacy center that was founded in 2001 to provide a safe haven for sexually and physically abused children.  Instead of being interviewed countless times at different locations, a child can tell their story to one caring and specially trained professional in a child-friendly environment where the child knows he or she will be safe.  The CAC main office is in Campbell County with satellite offices in Claiborne and Union counties.

For more information about Campbell County Children’s Center and how you can help prevent child abuse, visit the center’s website or Facebook @campbellcountychildrenscenter.

About The Savannah Grace Copeland Act
This bill is named in honor of Savannah Grace Copeland, a middle school student from Knox County who was tragically killed by another student. That student had a history of experiencing neglect, highlighting the broader issue of child-on-child violence as a serious concern alongside adult-on-child abuse.

The bill reflects a legislative commitment to strengthening early intervention efforts in cases of child abuse and neglect. It emphasizes the role of Child Advocacy Centers in identifying, interrupting, and addressing patterns of abuse and neglect, with the goal of preventing future tragedies similar to Savannah’s.

About Children’s Advocacy Centers of Tennessee
Children’s Advocacy Centers of Tennessee (CACTN) represents a network of accredited Children’s Advocacy Centers across the state, working together to coordinate a compassionate, multidisciplinary response to child abuse. CACTN is committed to providing healing, justice, and hope to children and families across Tennessee.

For more information about Children’s Advocacy Centers and how you can help prevent child abuse, visit here. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-04/24/2025-6AM)