Care Cottage
Kentucky River Children's Advocacy Center
OUR MISSION
The Mission of the Kentucky River Children's Advocacy Center, Inc. is to provide a comfortable, safe environment where children who have been the victims of sexual abuse and their non-offending family members may receive services from each agency involved in the investigation and prosecution of these cases. We strive to provide a location where investigations may be performed in as timely manner as possible and to link children and their families to services they may need both immediately and in the future.
The Kentucky Child Victims’ Trust Fund (CVTF) provides funding for child sexual abuse prevention programs and provides partial reimbursement for child sexual abuse medical exams at the Care Cottage and other children’s advocacy centers across the state. The CVTF prevention activities and child advocacy programs are funded through private donations, proceeds from the purchase of “I Care About Kids” license plates and donations made through the state income tax refund check-off program. For more information go to: https://icareaboutkids.ky.gov
The Care Cottage has been awarded reaccreditation by National Children’s Alliance following an extensive application and site review process. As the accrediting agency for Children’s Advocacy Centers (CAC) across the country, National Children’s Alliance awards various levels of accreditation and membership to centers responding to allegations of child abuse in ways that are effective and efficient and put the needs of child victims of abuse first. Accreditation is the highest level of membership with National Children’s Alliance and denotes excellence in service provision. Accredited CACs must undergo a reaccreditation process every five years to ensure that best practices are continually being applied. With accreditation standards being updated in 2017, reaccreditation this year reflects the Care Cottage’s commitment to providing evidence-based methods practice.
The global pandemic has impacted everyone. The Care Cottage is no exception. While cases of sexual abuse have risen only 10%, physical abuse numbers have increased by 83% and neglect has risen 650%. Educators account for approximately 30% of all child abuse reports. Children were isolated in their homes due to the pandemic and Care Cottage number reflect the negative impact this has had on the children we serve. To help combat these increases in numbers, the Care Cottage is proud to provide the following training to the community and community partners at no cost. These trainings can be completed in person or virtually with our victim's advocate Victoria Halcomb. Contact her at victoria@carecottage.org to schedule a training.
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Darkness to Light: Stewards of Children
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Darkness to Light: Recognizing & Reporting Child Abuse & Neglect
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Talking with Children about Safety from Sexual Abuse
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Healthy Touch for Children & Youth
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Bystanders Protecting Children from Boundary Violations & Sexual Abuse
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Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children
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PANTS: The Underwear Rule ( grades K-4)
By donating to the Care Cottage, you can help us fill our pinwheel garden! Each donation will come with a Pinwheel that includes a name of your choice and the amount donated that will be planted in our virtual pinwheel garden. "In 2008, Prevent Child Abuse America introduced the pinwheel as the new national symbol for child abuse prevention. What [their] research showed... is that people respond to the pinwheel. By its very nature, the pinwheel connotes whimsy and childlike notions. In essence, it has come to serve as the physical embodiment, or reminder, of the great childhoods we want for all children." For more information on the pinwheel and it's impact, click here. To donate and plant your virtual pinwheel, click here (please remember to check the "share my name and email with this charity" box so that we may know how to contact if you want a specific name on your pinwheel).
Community Partners and Supporters
