Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded five grants totaling $486,723 to organizations serving victims of child abuse and related crimes across south Alabama, with CARE House Inc. in Baldwin County receiving $85,363 to support services for local children and families.

According to a news release, the funding is intended to strengthen programs that respond to child abuse and neglect, child sexual abuse and child pornography while helping young victims navigate the aftermath of crime. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants using funds provided by the U.S. Department of Justice.

“Children who have been abused or neglected deserve timely, compassionate assistance from caring professionals,” Ivey said in the release. “I am pleased to support these organizations and commend them for their commitment to protecting children.”

CARE House Inc. will use its grant to continue providing a range of services to victims of crimes in Baldwin County, including child abuse or neglect, child sexual abuse and child pornography. Child advocacy centers like CARE House typically coordinate forensic interviews, counseling referrals and support services designed to reduce trauma for children while cases move through the investigative and court processes. The centers also work closely with law enforcement and prosecutors to ensure children receive care while justice is pursued.

While CARE House serves Baldwin County, four additional organizations across south Alabama also received funding.

The Escambia County Regional Child Advocacy Center was awarded $49,383 to provide personal advocacy, emotional support and other assistance to victims of crimes including child abuse and domestic violence in Conecuh, Escambia and Monroe counties.

The Exchange Center for Child Abuse Prevention received $129,809 to assist victims of crimes including child abuse, adult physical assault and human trafficking in Barbour, Coffee, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston and Pike counties.

The Covington County Child Advocacy Center was awarded $67,020 to support services such as helping victims navigate the criminal and civil justice systems and file compensation claims related to child abuse and associated crimes in Covington County.

The Southeast Alabama Child Advocacy Center received the largest single grant at $155,148 to assist victims of crimes including child abuse, kidnapping and stalking in Dale Geneva, Henry and Houston counties.

ADECA manages a broad portfolio of programs statewide, supporting law enforcement, economic development, recreation, energy conservation and water resource management.

“These grants will fund programs that communities count on to assist children who have been victimized,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in support of these organizations and their staffers who help children find healing and justice.”