House Resolution 3

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE MISSISSIPPI CHILDREN'S ALLIANCE FOR 20 YEARS OF DEDICATED AND COMPASSIONATE SERVICE TO THE ABUSED AND NEGLECTED CHILDREN OF MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, Child Advocacy Centers of Mississippi was created with a vision to end child abuse in Mississippi by creating a statewide network to improve the joint investigation for allegations of abuse and provide high quality services to victims; and

WHEREAS, initially named the Mississippi Children's Alliance, the four founding members of the Child Advocacy Centers of Mississippi desired for each Mississippi child to grow up in a safe, loving and nurturing environment free from violence, exploitation, abuse and neglect; and

WHEREAS, its mission is to support the development and continuation of child advocacy centers in Mississippi that meet the accreditation standards of the National Children's Alliance and to improve the ability and skills of Mississippi's child abuse professionals to better serve victims of child abuse and maltreatment; and

WHEREAS, over the past 20 years, 42,847 children have walked through the doors of a child advocacy center to receive hope, healing and justice; and

WHEREAS, their passion to educate and train all child advocate professionals led the organization to implement Child Advocacy Studies Training Programs into universities and colleges around the state which have gained national recognition, resulting in their program becoming a model for other states; and

WHEREAS, in keeping with its tradition of blazing new trails, the Children's Advocacy Centers of Mississippi houses the first simulation-based training facility dedicated specifically for child advocacy in the state; and

WHEREAS, this impressive organization co-authored the Guide to Family Advocacy which is used nationally for training advocates for victims and families; and

WHEREAS, it is our policy to honor outstanding organizations such as the Children's Advocacy Centers of Mississippi, which strive to improve the lives of the most vulnerable Mississippians:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the service and dedication of the Children's Advocacy Centers of Mississippi on tenaciously serving the abused and neglected children throughout this great state.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the Children's Advocacy Centers of Mississippi.