BREWSTER – The Child Advocacy Center of Putnam County has been heralded on the occasion of its 25th anniversary for providing comprehensive, multidisciplinary services to children suspected of being abused.
Center Director Marla Behler told a gathering at CAC headquarters in Brewster Wednesday evening since the center was established in 1999, a multi-disciplinary team has helped 5,000 youngsters in a child-friendly setting where child abuse allegations were handled in a coordinated way to minimize additional trauma to the young victims.
“Over the years, it’s always been about the children who walked through our doors,” said Behler. “Without our wonderful staff and teammates, the CAC would only be a building. It’s the people who devote their lives here that make the organization so very special. It’s been a great honor to be a part of this journey.”
Retired Kent Police Detective Gerry Locascio, who serves on the CAC Board, recalled the agency’s early days when “we had to get the word out that the Child Advocacy Center was something truly special — a one-stop shop operated with state and county grant money. Through the years the CAC has blossomed into a facility aimed at assisting victims and families of child abuse. Marla deserves all the credit in the world. Hopefully we will all be here 25 years from now to celebrate another CAC milestone.”
Sheriff’s Senior Investigator Corrine Pitt commended the staff for “strengthening the scope of the CAC from a response time standpoint. Investigations begin right out of the gate. Once an allegation is made, the process flows smoothly regardless of the time of day.”
Chief Assistant District Attorney Chana Krauss reminded those in attendance, “It doesn’t matter where you are or what is going on in a CAC staff member’s life, when a call is received, the individual responds to the crisis team. It’s positively heartbreaking when a child walks through the doors for the first time — a victim of abuse. We are here to help.”
Commissioner of Mental Health and Social Services Sara Servadio described Behler as a person who is always “willing to assist the needy. We are very lucky to have her.”
