The Lancaster County Children’s Alliance is the Children’s Advocacy Center for Lancaster County accredited by the National Children’s Alliance. The center brings together in one location child abuse professionals who support the needs of child victims and non-offending family members.
The Problem
Child sexual abuse is an issue that often makes individuals particularly uncomfortable because it is difficult to comprehend why anyone would intentionally harm children. However, unreported or untreated child sexual abuse scars children, destroy families and leaves offenders free to abuse and harm others.
Lancaster County itself shatters the misperception that child sexual abuse is a rare event perpetrated against girls by male strangers in poor, inner-city areas.
Communities have the choice to support victims of child sexual abuse and prevention measures actively or ignore that child sexual abuse exists and 'shove it underneath the rug.' The community plays a role in preventing and responding to child sexual abuse. How the community responds to child sexual abuse can leave a lasting impact on that child and the child's family. By educating the communities about prevention, intervention, and treatment, Children’s Advocacy Centers address the horrific reality of child sexual abuse. Although it is easier to believe that children remain safe and that we can unquestionably protect them from harm, the truth is that child sexual abuse is real. It is vital to educate communities about the facts and resources available to prevent child abuse, build healthy families, and strengthen communities.
Community Partners
The Lancaster County Children’s Alliance partners with the Lancaster County Children and Youth Social Services Agency, The Child Abuse Prosecution Unit of the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office, including Victim/Witness Services, all 27 law-enforcement jurisdictions in Lancaster County, and the YWCA Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling Center.