The Braveheart Children’s Advocacy Center faces significant challenges following a recent $600 million cut in Victims of Crime Act funding.

These cuts jeopardize the continuation of essential services for child victims of violent crime throughout the community. Braveheart Children’s Advocacy Center provides support and advocacy for child victims of abuse and their families. Services include forensic interviews, psychiatric treatment, medical evaluations, and community-based programs aimed at preventing abuse and promoting healing in Bureau, Henry, Marshall, Putnam, and Stark counties.

VOCA has been a lifeline for years, providing critical support to countless children and families struggling with the effects of violence and abuse. Through forensic interviews, evidence-based mental health treatments and victim advocacy, Braveheart CAC is a beacon of hope for young survivors, the agency said in a news release. The depletion of the Crime Victims Fund – a major source of nontax funds from federal criminal prosecutions – could prompt Braveheart to make decisions about what services it can maintain, the agency said in a news release.

“Our mission has always been to provide relentless support to the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Jackie Diediker, executive director of Braveheart Children’s Advocacy Center, in a press release. “These budget cuts jeopardize our ability to provide critical services like therapy and medical screenings. Without immediate action, we may be forced to limit our services or some CACs may even close their doors.”

In 2023, the Braveheart CAC, along with nearly 1,000 other CACs across the country, served nearly 400,000 child victims of abuse. With fewer resources, the capacity to provide abuse prevention education, legal assistance and comprehensive case management will be compromised, Braveheart said in a press release.

To address this crisis, Congress passed the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act (HR 8061 in the House and S.4514 in the Senate). This bill would replenish the CVF by redirecting funds from the False Claims Act, providing a temporary solution to stabilize these vital programs while a more permanent solution is sought.

“We urge our community and our congressional leaders to support the CVF Stabilization Act,” said Felisha Rogers, Community Outreach Coordinator. “Our children’s futures depend on it. We must ensure that the critical services Braveheart CAC provides can continue without interruption to help victims heal and get their lives back on track.”

Braveheart CAC remains committed to providing the best possible support to child victims of crime, the agency said in a press release.

Braveheart encourages community members to contact their members of Congress and express their support for the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act (HR 8061 in the House and S.4514 in the Senate). By advocating for this important legislation, the agency aims to ensure that child victims of crime continue to receive care and support.