About Us

Our History

In 2004, a Development Committee was formed in Monongalia County to lay the groundwork to develop and open the Monongalia County Child Advocacy Center (MCCAC). This committee visited other child advocacy centers in the state, made contact with the Southern Regional Children’s Advocacy Center for training materials, and obtained a Benedum Foundation Start-Up Grant for 2005. Additionally, 800 square feet of office space was identified to first house the MCCAC. MDT members attended a Finding Words training in the Fall of 2004 to prepare for the opening of the Center.

In 2004, an Inter-Agency Agreement was signed between MDT members in the community. Dr. Laura Capage was hired in February 2005 as the Executive Director and began organizing and preparing to open the Center. A protocol was developed in the spring of 2005 with our MDT (e.g., child protection workers, law enforcement, prosecutors, medical professionals, victim advocates, and mental health professionals) on responding to child abuse cases in Monongalia County. The Center opened on April 28, 2005. In May 2005, a Board of Directors was formed for the MCCAC, and Board Bylaws were adopted. Additionally, the MCCAC became incorporated in August 2005. In the fall of 2005, the Director and Board established financial, personnel, and operation policies/ procedures. Also, in the fall of 2005 the MCCAC expanded to 1600 square feet of rented space to accommodate the growing need for its services.