WV Child Advocacy Network

EXPANSION WVCAN has developed and maintained critical partnerships with funders in the state and region to grow the number of WV counties served by an accredited CAC from 38 in 2016 to 47 as of 2024. WVCAN is aiding in the expansion and development of CACs in unserved counties, with our goal of full state coverage on the horizon.

AWARENESS WVCAN continued to educate the public and key stakeholders on the prevalence, signs and symptoms of child abuse, recognition and response, and the healing work of child advocacy centers. We hosted our annual public-facing One With Courage awards reception to raise awareness of the mission and honor champions for children. We released our statewide data report, which included a content series on social media and several stories in the news. Lastly, we hosted awareness activities in April for Child Abuse Awareness Month, including the High5Drive for Brave WV Kids.

QUALITY IMPROVEMENT WWCAN helped local CACs evaluate their programs, measure outcomes, and improve the quality of services they provide to children, families, and the communities they serve. Every CAC in WV received an individualized data report comparing their annual data with other CACs in the state across the nation. Thirteen CACs received support through our IT Cybersecurity Project. WVCAN conducted on-site statewide training sessions, worked with local CACs on board development strategic planning hosted a virtual statewide conference for all child welfare professionals. This fiscal year, WVCAN provided individualized technical assistance to all 21 WV CACS.