Advocacy center gets $3.5K from county

RUSSELLVILLE — Franklin County commissioners recently increased its annual support for the Cramer Children’s Advocacy from $500 to $3,500.

Speaking during public comments at the commission’s June 15 meeting, Chelsea Lawson, business development director for the center, thanked commissioners asked them to consider increasing funding to $5,000 for the 202627 fiscal year.

She said the Cramer center served 69 Franklin County children during 2025 and has already served 31 county children so far this year.

Based in Florence, Cramer Children’s Advocacy Center serves Franklin, Lawrence, Colbert and Lauderdale counties. Lawson said the center provides forensic interviews, medical examinations, trauma-focused therapy, victim advocacy and multidisciplinary team coordination for children who have experienced abuse, neglect or witnessed violence. Lawson said all services are provided free to children and families.

She cited continued reductions in federal Victims of Crime Act funding, known as VOCA funding, as a reason local partnerships remain important.

“Support from counties like Franklin helps ensure that children and families can continue receiving the care, advocacy and healing services they need during some of the most difficult times of their lives,” Lawson said.

She mentioned possible uses of opioid settlement funds and asked that the center be considered if the county explores opportunities to invest those funds in programs supporting children and families affected by substance abuse. Lawson cited a 2023 report from the Alabama Children’s Trust Fund and researchers at the University of Alabama estimating that child abuse and neglect cost Alabama more than $8 billion annually.