The Inter-Mountain photo by Edgar Kelley Representatives from Randolph-Tucker Children’s Advocacy Center, Centers Against Violence, Youth Health Services, Randolph County Family Resource Network, and YouthBuild took part in proclamation signings during the most recent Randolph County Commision meeting. Those attending included: YouthBuild’s David Messer, Commissioner David Kesling, Allyson Smoak (Prosecuting Attorney’s Office), Michael Parker (County Prosecuting Attorney), Rosa Scarangello (YHS), Takoa Jones (CAV), Margo Evick (RTCAC), Kaitlynn Bender (CAV), Chelsea Langevin (CAV), Kyleigh Smith (FRN), Savannah Mace (CAV), Commissioner Chris Siler and Mindy Planakis (County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office).

ELKINS — A pair of proclamations were signed, and Margo Evick from the Randolph-Tucker Children’s Advocacy Center gave an informational presentation during the most recent Randolph County Commission meeting.

Commissioners David Kesling and Cris Siler proclaimed the month of April as Child Abuse Prevention and Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Representatives from various organizations, including Centers Against Violence, Youth Health Services, Randolph County Family Resource Network and YouthBuild joined the RTCAC at the meeting.

“All of the groups (at) the meeting have one common goal, and that is to take care of the kids and the people of this county,” Kesling told The Inter-Mountain. “We have signed these two proclamations every year since I’ve been here to help raise awareness about these issues.”

During her presentation, Evick told the commission that 122 new children were seen by the RTCAC last year. She noted an increase in the amount of cases her organization saw compared to a year ago.

“One hundred and eighteen of those new children seen were provided forensic interviews for investigative purposes, crisis intervention, needs assessment and referrals,” Evick said. “Children are seen for a variety of allegations. Some include sexual abuse, physical abuse, drug endangerment, neglect, witness to violence, exposure to pornography, and anything else you can imagine happened to a child.”

The RTCAC provides guidance, protection and help to children and families affected by abuse in both Randolph and Tucker counties. Evick told the commission that one of the important services it offers is prevention in the classroom.

“We provided prevention to preschool, kindergarten and first-grade children in all of Randolph and Tucker counties,” said Evick. “There were 979 children who received body-safety and boundaries prevention, and we also trained 26 adults in a sexual abuse prevention program. Participants in that included teachers, parents and community leaders.”

The RTCAC will be hosting its annual Champions of Children event on April 28.

“Thank you for the job that you do,” Kesling told Evick. “It’s just amazing what your group does for the kids in this county who need help. The service that you provide to the children is amazing.

“Some of the things the children go through are unreal, and without you there to help them, you never know what else could happen. I just can’t say enough about the job that you and your organization does.”