Child Protection Center of Ross County Gets New Name

Article Presented By Rathkamp Financial…

(Chillicothe) – The Child Protection Center of Ross County, a child advocacy center, has formally announced that it has changed its name to The Garden Family Advocacy Center.

The Child Protection Center of Ross County has been providing services to children who have experienced sexual and/or physical abuse in Ross County since 1996. The Board of Directors and Executive Director, Rhiannon Gill made the decision to change the name of the child advocacy center to reflect that services are provided to not only children but also their non-offending family members. Additionally, when the child advocacy center was established, it provided services to Ross County residents exclusively. As time has passed, services have expanded into surrounding counties. The child advocacy center provides services for child abuse assessments by referral from law enforcement, children protective services, and medical providers. Frequently, the child advocacy center is mistaken for Child Protective Services through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

The new name reflects the child advocacy centers view, that a multi-disciplinary approach rooted in the standards of the National Children’s Alliance is key to reducing the trauma of abuse, fostering resilience, and promoting the well-being of children, families, and communities. The Garden Family Advocacy Center cultivates an environment where healing takes root and restoration flourishes.

In addition to providing abuse assessments for children who have experienced child abuse and neglect, sexual abuse, physical abuse, and human trafficking, the Garden Family Advocacy Center also provides prevention education to local schools and professionals who work with children, court ordered supervised visitation, and child therapy. The Garden Family Advocacy Center is funded by The United Way, The National Children’s Alliance, Victims of Crime, The Ohio Attorney General’s Office, the Ohio Network of Child Advocacy Centers, Ohio Children’s Trust Fund, Appalachian Children’s Coalition, and other local grants and private donations.

Rhiannon Gill, Executive Director of the Garden Family Advocacy Center said, “The key to systemic change is through children. The more positive adult interaction a child has the greater the possibility that the trauma a child has endured can be overcome. It is our duty as a child advocacy center to help reduce trauma and promote healthy families.”

The Garden Family Advocacy Center is located at 138 Marietta Road, Suite E, Chillicothe, Ohio, 45601. Questions about the child advocacy center can be directed to Rhiannon Gill by calling (740) 779-7431.