Capital Campaign
Need
Since its founding over 12 years ago, McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Center has provided critical services to physically & sexually abused victims from a 3,000 square foot home. Not only has McMahon/Ryan achieved initial goals in meeting a critical community need but has grown significantly by expanding its role by serving as the host location for other collaborating agencies that provide services to the abused. Compounding the expanded role is national and local data that demonstrates a growing epidemic.
- 1 out of 4 girls and 1 out of 6 boys will experience some form of sexual abuse before the age of 18.
- In 2010 alone, there were over 5,000 child abuse reports to the child abuse hot line representing approximately 9,000 children who were suspected victims of abuse in Onondaga County.
Vision – A Child Advocacy Center
As a result of the expanded role and services that McMahon/Ryan plays and evidenced by the positive impact of collaborations and increase in reported child abuse cases, the best solution to the growing needs in Onondaga County was to establish an accredited Child Advocacy Center.
A Child Advocacy Center Concept is:
- The accepted national standard for quality investigation and intervention of child sexual and physical abuse.
- Brings all essential services for abused children to one safe, child-friendly location.
- Ensures non-threatening, child focused environment interviews for the child victim.
- Rapid and efficient access to a full range of services.
- Maximizes communication and coordination among numerous law enforcement and treatment providers.
- Is cost effective, saving the community nearly $1,000 per case.
A suitable location to accommodate the vision of a Child Advocacy Center became available at 601 E Genesee Street (the former Reid Hall) and financing was secured to begin the renovations in January 2011 and all co-locating agencies have moved into the new location by November 2011.