Prince Frederick, MD – Calvert Family Advocates (CFA), a local nonprofit 501(c)(3) through the MASSB Foundation, has had a busy year as the organization continues to expand its charitable efforts on behalf of vulnerable families and children in Calvert County. Funds raised by CFA go to support programs and services provided through the Calvert County Department of Social Services (DSS), the local agency for the Maryland Department of Human Services.

In September discussions took place between Calvert County’s State’s Attorney’s Office, law enforcement, and DSS to address the need for a Child Advocacy Center (CAC) in Calvert County.  A Child Advocacy Center is a child-friendly, safe and neutral location for children and their families to undergo forensic interviews.  This is based on the belief that a child traumatized by abuse and/or neglect, or having witnessed acts of violence, should not be traumatized again by having to retell their story multiple times. In addition, children and their families will receive crisis intervention services and medical exams as necessary on the premises. 

“Calvert County is the only county in Maryland without any type of Child Advocacy Center. As it stands, our most vulnerable victims often have to travel to other counties for medical treatment and/or interviews. This can often take hours where the child is surrounded by strangers. By establishing a Child Advocacy Center in our county, all of the treatment providers and investigative personnel come to our victims in one location. This is imperative in order to reduce trauma to our victims,” said County Deputy State’s Attorney Kathryn Marsh.

A plan has been developed that will leverage both government and community resources to launch the Center by spring 2018. Calvert Family Advocates has been designated as the organizational lead for fundraising efforts to raise $35,000 in operational funds. To date they have raised $2,000.

“As a nonprofit, Calvert Family Advocates was approached by the State’s Attorney’s Office to support fundraising efforts for a new Child Advocacy Center. Our board immediately understood the importance of the center in supporting child victims and we felt compelled to support the project. Our role is to solicit donations from the community to ensure sufficient funds are in place to support implementation of the program.  This center is in alignment with CFA’s mission to support a variety of programs primarily delivered by the Calvert County Department of Social Services to support at-risk citizens,” stated Karen Lane, CFA board chair.

“Calvert Family Advocates has been a great financial supporter of the Calvert County Department of Social Services in our quest to serve those in need through programs and services.  This Child Advocacy Center will help to bring a long-awaited resource for child victims that will serve abused children expeditiously and in a child-friendly environment.  The center will allow the children to receive treatment and be interviewed in a way that will assist Calvert County Child Protective Services, law enforcement, and the State’s Attorney’s Office in protecting children and preventing repeat victimization,” said Amye Scrivener, Director of the Calvert County Department of Social Services.

Local businesses and residents are invited to contribute to the Child Advocacy Center by making financial donations designated to the CAC. Funds may also be given to general programs and services. As an all-volunteer organization, nearly all contributions received will go toward programs and services to support those in need. All donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.  Please send donations to:

Calvert Family Advocates
P.O. Box 2016
Lusby, MD 20657

Donations can also be made via the website at www.calfam.org.  Calvert Family Advocates is a component fund of the Maryland Association of Social Services Boards Foundation (MASSB), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.