State of the CSC
Recent news about the future of federal funding for nonprofit organizations like the Children’s Safety Center has been just the latest in a long series of uncertainties. Inescapable warnings and threats fall on terrified ears of staff members who long, first and foremost, to continue providing essential services to some of the most vulnerable members of our community. The CSC relies on two major grants that provide funding for direct services such as forensic interviewing, advocacy, and therapy—and neither can be counted on past the current grant period.
Through June of this year, we will be funded in part by the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, also referred to as TANF. TANF includes federal dollars that are held and distributed at the state level. We know that we will no longer be eligible to apply for TANF funds after the current grant period. When coupled with the fact that the current grant period was shortened from one year to six months, the day we will lose funds that account for 9% of our budget is quickly approaching. TANF directly supports our three major programs: forensic interviewing, advocacy, and therapy.
Similarly, the Victims of Crime Act is a large source of funding that has been on the decline for years, and now faces further barriers. The Victims of Crime Act, or VOCA, established the Crime Victims Fund which is made up of fees collected in association with federal criminal cases. The Fund has experienced little stability, and is rumored to be at its lowest for the next grant period. VOCA funds account for 17% of our budget. VOCA, similar to TANF, supports forensic interviewing, advocacy, and therapy at the Children’s Safety Center.
Now, on top of these struggles, we are grappling with strange new requirements set forth by the federal government that seek to pick and choose who is allowed access to services. Washington County is a vibrant place, home to families striving to live well in what is generally considered a prosperous region. Unfortunately, one in ten children will be victims of child abuse before their eighteenth birthday—a glaring truth that pervades every community regardless of its citizens’ protected classes. In short, child abuse does not discriminate—and neither do we.
And, to be clear: the Children’s Safety Center is able to empower children to overcome abuse and begin to trust, hope, and heal solely because of the services our trained staff provides—staff whose salaries are supported by federal funds. Advocates welcome alleged victims of abuse into our center, which was built with children and teenagers in mind, and begin cultivating relationships where they feel safe and supported. Forensic interviewers offer a chance for children and adolescents to tell their stories and be believed—often for the first time. Therapists give children the space and help they need to heal from the trauma caused by their experiences.
In 2024, the Children’s Safety Center provided these services to 740 children and their families. Each of our five advocates, two forensic interviewers, and three therapists are vital not only to the health of each client we see, but to the health of our entire community. Children who are given the tools and encouragement to thrive become adults who stop the cycle of abuse and create strong lives and lasting relationships. Cuts to federal funding stand directly in the way of that vision.
By the end of 2025, our budget will suffer a loss of $170,686 if federal funds cease. In 2026, that loss will rise to $545,000. Generous donors throughout the community are our best chance at closing these gaps. As an organization and as individuals who live and raise families in Washington County, we at the Children’s Safety Center could not be more grateful for the continued support of our community who ultimately makes it possible for us to continue changing the lives of children affected by abuse.
Actions you can take today:
- Make A Gift to the CSC. No amount is too small.
- Forward this link to your friends and family.
- Come take a tour of our facility and learn more: emily@childrenssafetycenter.org
- www.childrenssafetycenter.org
