Alexandria Superheroes Honored for work with Abused Kids

(ALEXANDRIA, VA--) Alexandria is home to a team of its own special superheroes: a specialized “Multi-Disciplinary Team” (MDT)of first responders who work on the front lines of child abuse and neglect within the community. This distinguished group of detectives, child protection investigators, prosecutors, forensic interviewers, social workers, advocates, therapists, and medical professionals were honored last week by the Center for Alexandria’s Children for collaborative service and support of children who have suffered abuse and neglect.

The Center and its Board of Directors praised the many civic professionals whose outstanding dedication to Alexandria’s most vulnerable citizens is making a profound impact on their lives. By inspiring trust among victims who have known little safety, advocating for their rights, and fighting to help them find their voice while navigating the road to recovery, the MDT helps victims of abuse rebuild their lives following trauma.

“Research shows collaborative prevention and intervention programs reduce criminal and delinquent behavior among children who have been abused or neglected,” Board Chair Kerry Donley said. “The results of this kind of teamwork are that children are more likely to have resilience, become contributing members of society as adults and lead healthier, more productive lives.”

Keynote Speaker NBC New4 I-Team Investigator Scott MacFarlane spoke about his experience with investigations into misconduct by public school teachers and how often a single systemic failure can put vulnerable children at risk.

“The safety net has many layers,” MacFarlane said. “Everyone must work together. Media plays a role too, raising awareness of all of the issues, stakeholders and contributors to our public safety net for children.”

MacFarlane was recognized recently by the Child Welfare League of America with their Anna Quindlen Award for Excellence in Journalism on Behalf of Children & Families.

“We are grateful to Scott for sharing his observations of systemic problems that impact vulnerable children and families in our community,” Center Executive Director Giselle Pelaez said. “He also voiced a reluctance within the newsroom to air these issues due to concern about the public’s discomfort. The next step in the process of enlightenment in our culture is the acknowledgement that abuse CAN be eliminated through education, training and therapeutic services.”

Alexandria’s Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Division Chief Debra Evans and Director of the Victim/Witness Assistance ProgramJudy Holl addressed the cost of silence and the importance of victims finding their voice.

“From victims, I’ve heard the personal, lifelong price of abuse: Innocence lost and childhood taken, intimacy and marriage problems, family separation either physically or emotionally, anger at the perpetrator, anger at God, inability to trust, feeling unsafe, academic problems, hospitalizations, substance use, fear of disclosure and exposure,” Holl said.

“The MDT supports these victims, ensuring they are given a say during every step of the process. The team genuinely cares for each individual and show them that their life matters, continuing to fight for them during and long after their case is processed,” Holl said.

The Center for Alexandria’s Children is a public-private partnership that provides comprehensive services to children who have reported abuse. Founded in 2007, the Center was born in response to a child homicide that drew attention to the need for a systemic approach to better outcomes. Since then, it has expanded its scope to include prevention, education and outreach programs aimed at eliminating child abuse within the community through training programs and a specialized Learn & PlayGroup (LPG) program aimed at strengthening families. The only program of its kind in Alexandria for children ages 0-5 years, the Centers’ LPGs bolster protective factors that make families stronger and children safer. Utilizing a specially-designed curriculum based on weekly themes, experienced facilitators connect parents and children, along with their neighbors and community, through developmentally appropriate, play-based learning.

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Photo Courtesy of Jim Craige