RESULTS
In 2023, from January 1 to December 31, North Star Child Advocacy Center performed 604 Forensic Interviews, once again leading the state.
Committed to the Safety of Children
Child advocacy centers (CACs) were able to support over 4,800 children across West Virginia in fiscal year 2023 alone. According to this U.S. Department of Health and Human Services report, the associated lifetime cost of each child experiencing non-fatal child maltreatment is estimated to be $830,928 (2015 USD). This estimate includes that child’s associated lifetime costs for healthcare, productivity losses, child welfare, criminal justice, and special education.
2022-2023 Fiscal Year (July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023) by the Numbers
Some of the highlights from this North Star report includes:
• 44% of the children served were there because of allegations of sexual abuse.
• 34% of the children served were there because of allegations of drug endangerment, compared to 14% statewide and only 3% nationally.
• 45% of the children served by CACs were between the ages of 7-12 years, 26% were between the ages of 0-6 years.
• 60% of the children seen were female. 40% were male. (Less than 1% were categorized as other)
• 90% of the alleged offenders were 18 years or older.
• 98% of alleged offenders were someone the child knew. 51% were parents, 12% were stepparents, 19% were other relative and 8% were a parents boyfriend/girlfriend.
• 48% of children are reported to have one or more disabilities as opposed to 30% statewide.
• 78% of the children interviewed disclosed abuse, with 22% not disclosing any abuse.
• 6% of the children received a medical exam.
• In 44 of the cases, criminal charges were filed, as opposed to 26 the year prior.
• There were 15 criminal indictments, as opposed to 3 the year prior.
• There were zero (0) offenders acquitted (declared not guilty.)
There are approximately 22,487 children in the five-county area covered by NSCAC.
Click on link below for the full report:
Together We Can Grow This Movement
Your passion and dedication are paramount to helping us provide a safe environment for child victims of abuse to heal and bring their offenders to justice. Every dollar you donate will be used to support North Star Child Advocacy Center, Inc. and empower significant change to deliver better care for victims and put an end to the cycle of abuse.
Donate Today