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Juneau child advocacy center urges statutory compliance and operating support
Summary
The state child advocacy center in Juneau asked the Senate Finance Committee to include funding for child advocacy centers in the FY26 operating budget and cited Alaska statute regarding use of CACs by Office of Children’s Services.
Juneau — The program manager of the Juneau child advocacy center told the Senate Finance Committee on Feb. 26 that state law directs use of child advocacy centers (CACs) when available and asked the legislature to include operating support for CACs in FY26.
Jenny Wycoff, program manager of the state child advocacy center operated by Catholic Community Service, said Alaska statute (as cited in testimony: 47.17.033) requires the Office of Children’s Services to use CACs when available. She described the CAC model as a public–private partnership that reduces trauma to children, coordinates multidisciplinary responses and increases prosecutions.
Why it matters: The Juneau CAC provides forensic interviews, same‑day mental health counseling availability and pediatric forensic medical exams unavailable elsewhere in Juneau, and receives referrals from state and federal law enforcement. Wycoff said the center received over 100 referrals this year and expected another 75 through the end of FY25.
Supporting details: Wycoff said CACs also provide outreach and training to mandatory reporters in schools and support families whose cases fall below law-enforcement thresholds. She said the Juneau multidisciplinary team meets twice monthly and coordinates cases through the legal process.
Discussion vs. decision: Testimony was advisory; no appropriation was voted during the Feb. 26 session.
Ending: The committee continues budget hearings and will consider operating-budget language during committee mark-up.
