Charlottesville, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – April marks Child Abuse Prevention Month, and the Foothills Child Advocacy Center is leading efforts in raising awareness and supporting affected children and families. Speaking on Cville Right Now Live, Foothills CEO Sheri McKinney highlighted the organization’s role in providing essential services. “We work very, very collaboratively with lots of community partners,” she said, emphasizing the organization’s close coordination with law enforcement and social services to assist children facing abuse.

Foothills Child Advocacy Center offers forensic interviews, medical exams, and advocacy for families navigating trauma. McKinney underscored the importance of caregiver support, noting, “If they have one supportive adult in their life, the odds are in their favor.” The center works with over 200 community partners across nine localities, ensuring that children and their caregivers receive the help they need while minimizing retraumatization.

Beyond intervention, the center focuses on prevention and education, offering training programs for schools, daycares, and community organizations. McKinney stressed the importance of communication in preventing abuse, urging caregivers to listen, observe, and take action when needed. “If a child shares with you that they have been abused, stay calm, don’t ask a million questions, be empathetic, tell them that you believe them,” she advised. The center encourages the public to report suspected abuse through Virginia’s 24/7 hotline at 800-552-7096.

Listen here for the full conversation: