Child Protection Center Awarded $20,000 Grant

May 26, 2021 – Sarasota

The Child Protection Center, Inc. (CPC) has been awarded a $20,000 grant through the generosity of The Jerome & Mildred Paddock Foundation to support the intervention of child abuse through CPC’s Child Protection Team (CPT).

The Paddock Foundation has long supported the Child Protection Team and its crucial work in identifying and evaluating child abuse, abandonment, and neglect. Services provided by CPT include forensic interviews, psychological and psychosocial assessment, forensic medical assessments, and court testimony. CPT is the only provider authorized by the state to perform these functions in Sarasota and DeSoto Counties and historically provides services to 700 children a year.

“Without the case coordination and follow-up services provided by CPT, many families would fail to receive the services they need to recover from the multiple traumas of child abuse. Thus, allowing the cycle of child abuse to continue,” explained Doug Staley, the Executive Director of the Child Protection Center.

Sheila Miller, CPC’s VP of Philanthropy, has commented that “The Paddock Foundation has given life to this program to save children’s lives.” This is particularly impactful as the organization continues to face the consequences of COVID-19, including an over 23% increase in child sexual abuse during the pandemic.

The Child Protection Center’s mission is the Prevention, Intervention, & Treatment of Child Abuse. CPC has been serving Sarasota & DeSoto Counties since 1980. In fiscal year 2020, The CPC provided 66,698 services to individuals. For more information on CPC, please visit CPCSarasota.org or call 941-365-1277.